Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest Nature Research and Study Centre (To Daeng Peat Swamp Forest) is the last remaining peat swamp forest in Thailand. It covers 3 districts; Tak Bai, Su-ngai Kolok and Su-ngai Padi, and has an area of 192 square kilometres, though the most verdant area is 80 square kilometres, rich in fauna and flora. Major waterways that pass through the area are Khlong Su-ngai Padi, Bang Nara River and Khlong To Daeng, which gives the forest its name.

The centre has arranged nature study treks to publicise knowledge about peat swamp forests. The walk starts from a swamp behind the research centre and continues on a wooden bridge into the forest for 1,200 metres. One segment of the trail consists of a wooden bridge suspended by metal slings and another consists of a high tower for viewing the lush scenery below. Informative signs provide interesting facts about trees and provide guidance for trekkers. The trail is open daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. It is free and an exhibition room is also provided for visitors.

How does a peat swamp forest occur? It originates from fresh water that is confined in limited space for a long period of time and is subject to the subsequent accumulation of organic matters in the soil, like dead plants, trees and leaves. These matters are slowly transformed into peat or organic soil that is soft like a sponge, has low density and absorbs water very well. In this area, peat has accumulated together with marine sediment to create 2-3 interlocking layers of both types of soil. This is because the sea level was high enough to cover the forest. Accumulation of sediment ensued and seawater was contained in the area. This resulted in the demise of plants in the forest and created a mangrove forest in its place. When the water level receded and rain came, the water transformed into fresh water and the peat swamp forest occurred. The deeper soil layers date from 6,000-7,000 years, while the top layers are about 700-1,000 years.

The forest has a diverse ecological system. Every life is interconnected to that of the other. Trees have strong roots that spread out to those of other trees and help them to support their large trunks. Therefore, trees in the peat swamp forest will grow together in a group. If one falls, so will the others.

There are over 400 species of plants in the peat swamp forest. The most outstanding are strange palms like Lum Phi whose fruits can be eaten, and red palm whose entire trunk is red in colour. Red palm is popular as a garden plant. Moreover, there are aromatic flowers like the Goniothalamus giganteus, a plant of the Annonaceae family that has large flowers. There are also orchids and an assortment of small plants that you must look carefully to find.

There are over 200 animal species in the forest. Small creatures include langurs, civets, wild cats, Singapore rats, and Malayan tree frogs. Large animals include wild boars and binturongs. A variety of fish also makes it home in the forest, including a certain species of catfish that can be raised in acidic water and the strange angler catfish that has a flat, wide head and a long body. This catfish has a poisonous spine in its dorsal fin. The fish uses the forest as a refuge and to spawn. Villagers catch this fish for food when it is fully grown.

Birds here include the Rufous-tailed Shama that is mainly found in Sumatra, Borneo and Malaysia. It was first discovered in Thailand in 1987. The Malaysian Verditer Flycatcher is found only in the Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest in Thailand. Both species are now endangered.

The forest is interesting not only because of its unusual flora and fauna, but also because of the overall unique experience that people, particularly children, are bound to receive when they pay a visit. The surrounding nature offers a constant stream of surprises. While trekking amidst a serene forest, you may encounter an animal grazing. Trails take you close to, but not overly interfering with, nature.

Things to take to enhance your appreciation of the forest are notebooks, coloured pencils, binoculars, cameras, and mosquito repellent. With these items in hand, you can possibly spend a whole day of fun here. The cool climate of the forest is conducive for explorations. The best time to go is during February-April because there is little rain. The other months will see frequent rainfall due to the forest being situated on a peninsula.

Tourists should be careful of the disease-carrying black mosquitoes, which are prevalent in the area and come out in the evening. Forest fires can happen as a result of smoking and discarding cigarette butts on the ground. When there is a forest fire in this forest, it is more difficult to put out because there is ample fuel in the form of trees, dead barks and organic matters in the ground. The fire will actually spread underground, making it extremely difficult to extinguish and control. The fire can last for months and the only way to put it out is to wait for heavy rainfall and the subsequent inundation should extinguish the fire.

Getting There: It is more convenient to come by train from Bangkok as the last station is at Su-ngai Kolok. If not bring a car, you can use the service of hired cars from Su-ngai Kolok.

If driving, take Highway No. 4057 (Tak Bai-Su-ngai Kolok) for about 5 kms. Take the branch road for 3 kms. to Chawananan Road, then turn left for 2 kms. Posted signs lead the way to the forest. For more information, contact P.O. Box 37, Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat 96120.