The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Royal Forest Department (RFD), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, organized the Annual International Training Course (AITC) 2025 on “Sustainable Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Management in Thailand”, held from 10 to 28 March 2025. The training aimed to share knowledge and skills in urban forestry management and arboriculture in urban settings, integrating multiple disciplines such as landscape architecture, ecology, and urban green spaces planning for diverse uses. The course emphasized in connecting the aesthetic value of forests, biodiversity, and socio-cultural aspects to sustainable urban forestry management. Participants also had the hands-on workshop and site visits to exchange and strengthen their knowledge including practical understanding of sustainable urban forestry.

19 participants, who traveled from 12 countries Argentina, Armenia, Bhutan, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Tonga, attended the on-site training in Bangkok and provinces.

The Participants gained hands-on learning and exposure to the good practices through site visits on urban forestry locations in Bangkok and provinces. In Bangkok, participants visited the Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry, where green spaces are used to support the mental well-being of patients. They also explored Wachirabenchathat Park, which functions as a center for learning about urban ecosystems and wildlife. Another key site was Suan Luang Rama IX Park, a large public garden designed as a botanical space to support ecosystem education. The program also included a visit to Benjakitti Park, where participants observed the restoration of lowland forest ecosystems and natural wastewater treatment processes. At Chulalongkorn University, they learned about landscape design that integrates natural elements into contemporary urban environments.

Furthermore, the program was enriched by arranging the  field trip and hands-on training in arboriculture for the participants at the Northeastern Forest Research and Development Center in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, observing urban green space management for tourism at Pattaya City Hall in Chonburi Province, and Exploring the preparation of plant species suitable for urban design at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Chonburi Province. They also learned about coastal landscape design for tourism on Koh Larn and the conservation of urban wetlands to promote biodiversity and ecotourism at the Rayong Botanic Garden in Rayong Province.

On this occasion, the participants joined the International Day of Forests 2025, which is celebration on 21 March,  under the theme “Forests and Food” at Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, Bang Kachao, Samut Prakan Province.

Representatives from the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Royal Forest Department (RFD) took part in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the training course. The opening ceremony, held on 10 March 2025, Mr. Bannarak Sermthong, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, and Mr. Grisada Phakakarn, Director of Human Resources Development Cooperation Division, TICA were presided over and delivered welcoming remarks. The closing ceremony, held on 28 March 2025, Mr. Preecha Ongprasert, Director of the Forestry Foreign Affairs Office, RFD and Mr. Grisada Phakakarn were preside over and delivered closing remarks. The 19 participants who successfully completed the on-site training were presented certificates by the representative from RFD at Meeting Room 1, Thiamkomkret Building, Royal Forest Department.