23 Sept. 2021 – With a push from the FLEGT VPA process, Thailand has committed to improving its existing Thai Timber Legality Assurance System (THA-TLAS), enhancing the system’s efficiency in verifying legality and supply chain of Thai timber and timber products with the emphasis on timber traceability.

FLEGT VPA Ad-hoc Working Group held that all timber sources must be accounted for in the THA-TLAS system. Through the FLEGT VPA process, the Ad-hoc Working Group has continuously worked on the guidelines for timber sources whose legal control is unclear or lack thereof, namely timber from private land, Sor Por Kor, and reclaimed wood. The guidelines will inform timber owners of the existing certification provided by the Royal Forest Department as well as introduce a new concept called “Self-declaration,” which will allow timber owners to declare the legality of timber by themselves. The ability to assert the legality of their timber will facilitate timber selling, transporting, and transferring to the mill.

At the Ninth Ad-hoc Working Group, the guidelines were deliberated. The guidelines for timber on private land will be announced soon by the Royal Forest Department. Guidelines for Sor Por Kor and reclaimed timber are expected to be completed later. Experts external from the FLEGT VPA Ad-hoc Working Group were invited to give recommendations on Sor Por Kor and reclaimed wood. A representative from the Department of Agricultural Extension gave a presentation on the farmer registration service, which let farmers register their plantations voluntarily. The farmer registration will be useful in supporting the self-declaration claim. The legal expert presented the analysis of reclaimed timber’s legal status. Due to the unclear legal statue of reclaimed timber, many businesses were obstructed. Working towards the objective of the FLEGT VPA, the Ad-hoc Working Group aims to detangle this legal issue to support the reclaimed timber industry. These guidelines will be integrated to the Supply Chain Control Annex and present at the coming Thailand-EU Negotiation.

On this occasion, the FLEGT VPA Ad-hoc Working Group congratulates Mr. Surachai Ajalaboon, a newly appointed Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, succeeding the role from Mr. Addisorn Noochdamrong, who will go into retirement this year. The FLEGT VPA Ad-hoc Working Group is looking forward to welcoming Mr. Ajalaboon to the next meeting.