Located
Ban Thale Noi, Tambon Phanangtung, Amphoe Khauankhanun, Phattalung province.
Travel
From Bangkok, visitors can travel to Thale Noi via Phatthalung by bus, train or plane.
By air-Take a plane to Hat yai or Trang, and then take a bus to Phatthalung or Thale Noi, respectively.
By train-There is a daily train from Bangkok, contact Bangkok Railway Station (Hualampong) tel: 2237010,2237020
By bus-Both ordinary and air-conditioned buses are leaving from the Southern Bus Terminal(Bangkok) every day. From Phathalung, take a mini-bus queueing near Phathalung Railway No.4048 passing Amphoe Khuan Khanun, Pak Khlong Market a distance of 32 kilometres.
Background
In 1974, a group of Thale Noi villagers collectively proposed to Mr.Pong Leng-eii, then a chief of the Wildlife Management Section of the Maintainace Division, Royal Forestry Department to declare the swamp area to be "Thale Noi Water Park". The villagers reasoned that there were many species of birds inhabiting this area. Some large birds were rapidly decreasing and might become extinct, if not preserved, such as the Painted Storck. The Royal Forestry Department assigned its officials to carry out a survey on the condition and wildlife species in the area. On 18 February,1975 the Thale Noi area whice covers an area of 17,500 rai and its surrounding vicinity which covers a total area of 285,625 rai was declared as the Thale Noi Non-Hunting area. However, it is locally known as "Thale Noi Waterfowl Park."
Thale Noi is well known as one of the most important water bird sanctuaries in Thailand. It is a site whice contains abundant natural biodibersitites. Therefore, it was declared to be a Non-hunting area under the jurisdiction of the Royal Forestry Department. It is also endowed with potential resources which serve the local residents to live their life. With this quality, Thale Noi has become a natural habitat of waterfools, which can attract people from all around. It is one of the most interesting sites for bird watchers and nature lovers to admire and explore.
Thale Noi forest area can be divided into 5 categories namely Peat swamp forest, Grassland, Tropical evergreen forest, Paddy field and The wetland area.
According to a report, there are no less than 250 wildlife species in this wildlife protected area. They are about 13 species of mammals such as crab-eating macaque, fish-eating cat, slow loris etc; 25 species of reptiles such as tortoise, trionyx, lizards and various kings of snakes, amphibians, shrimp, crab, and various other aquatic animals. About 54 species of freshwater fish are reported found here.
With tis rich condition of aquatic plants and an abundance of animals, Thale Noi is suit-able for birds to make a home and feed, nest and lay eggs for various species of birds, especially the waterfowls ones. A survey of native and migratory birds. The latter can be found during October to March. During this period of the year, the population of birds is as high as 43,000. The period which has less birds is during June to September in which the birds are nesting. Some interesting birds in the Thale Noi area are as follows: Heron, Ducks and geese, Rails, Jacana, Cormorant, Stilts.
Tourists can see parts of Thale Noi when they enter the park area.
A first time tourist should visit the tourist centre located on the bank of the lake close to the park's entrance in order to get more information about the park. After that may move on to the boat landing which has a pavilion for relaxation, or take a boat and follow the nature study route which has been divided into 11 areas: The bridge around the park office, Thale Noi Villlage, The Tern Thicket, Waterlily Thicket, Teal Flock, Little Bulrush Grove, Nang Riam Pavilion, Nang Riam Canal, Laem Din, Water Gentian Grove and Open Water.
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Nature Guidebook Thale Noi Phatthalung Provinc, by Tourism Authority of Thailand: Southen Office.
