The Transfer of FPT Zones for Community Forest and Temple Establishment under the Cabinet Resolution: Lessons from FPT 59 and FPT 15

This article presents a case study on the transfer of conservation forest areas into the Forest for People in Thailand (FPT) program for the establishment of community forests and the legal process of temple construction under the Cabinet Resolution, focusing on FPT 59 and FPT 15. The findings indicate that the transfer process can be successfully carried out with comprehensive preparation of data, documents and boundary consultations. Additionally, designating temple areas separately from FPT zones, limited to no more than 15 rai, is a key condition in compliance with the Royal Forest Department’s regulations and the Cabinet Resolution. These cases illustrate practical lessons that integrate legal frameworks, administrative procedures and local contexts, offering a model for lawful and balanced forest utilization. Such an approach not only safeguards the state’s conservation missions but also fosters sustainable collaboration among government agencies, Buddhist institutions and local communities.