Tak Geo Park has claimed the Guinness World Record (GWR) world record for "Mai Tak" as the world’s longest fossil-silicified tree trunk in the world. The Geological Society of Thailand, in partnership with leading private sector entities such as PTT and PTTEP cooperated in achieving the world record certification with the objective of opening up a new perspective on geological tourism in Tak centred on Mai Klai Pen Hin Tak Geo Park, encouraging learning among young people and enhancing the community economy.
Minister of Natural Resources Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa and Environment and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat presided at the certification event at Doi Soi Malai-Mai Klai Pen Hin National Park, Tak, on 8 July 2022.
Also present were Mr. Pongboon Pongtong, Director-General, Department of Mineral Resources; Mr. Somchai Kijcharoenrungroj, Governor of Tak Province; Mr. Nuthawut Thawikuakulkit, Chief Executive of the PAO, Tak, and Director of Mai Klai Pen Hin Tak Geo Park; and Mr. Kanok Intravijit, President of the Geological Society of Thailand.
The official longest fossil-silicified tree trunk is 69.70 metres long, equivalent to the height of a 20-storey building, and has a diameter of 1.80 metres. The discovery of the petrified wood indicates the fertility of Tak in the past while also testifying to climate change and various disasters in the area. The recognition is the first world record for nature heritage claimed by Thailand.
Indicating deep cooperation from all sectors, the world record ceremony was attended by the Department of Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as the main government sectors working with network parties, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Royal Forest Department, Geological Society of Thailand, Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAO), Tak, Municipalities, Subdistrict Administrative Organisations (SAO), as well as government and private sectors in Tak such as The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)-Bhumibol Dam, and also supported by PTT Public Company Limited, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, The Siam Cement Public Company Limited, and volunteer engineers from The Engineering Institute of Thailand Under H.M. The King’s Patronage (Western Region of EIT).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, said: “The petrified wood site in Tak is outstanding and unique, and is worth preserving and studying. Thailand is proud to have such a rich geological resource that is internationally recognised. It can be developed as a fossil, geology, and natural history attraction to generate income and improve the quality of life of people in the community. It is an important policy of the government and we anticipate that all sectors, including public and private entities and the people of Tak will jointly oversee the conservation of geological resources and other natural resources and pass on to coming generations the appreciation that acquiring is more challenging than conserving. I commend the Department of Mineral Resources and the network parties in successfully achieving recognition of this world record.”
Mr. Pongboon Pongtong said: “The purpose of this world record ceremony is to raise awareness of the value of geological resources. The world’s longest fossil-silicified tree trunk in the world is 69.70 metres long. The recognition promotes fossil, geology and natural science tourism in Tak Province. It encourages national and international collaboration in research and passes on knowledge and experience. It establishes a network of young local guides ranging from elementary school students to university students and instils passion and respect for our local natural resources. It promotes conservation of natural resources for the future and manages geological resources for the benefit of the country's economy, society and sustainable development.”
Mr. Somchai Kijcharoenrungroj pronounced that: “The official certification of the longest petrified wood makes Tak province known all over the world, which has a positive impact on tourism and academia. Tak will develop the area into a GEO PARK with people and communities' cooperation to conserve geological and natural resources, benefiting directly from the connection between geology and the way of life and expanding job and employment opportunities, which will spur the community economy.”
Mr. Nuthawut Thawikuakulkit, said: “This world record makes the community and the public aware of the greatness of our geological resources. It brings pride and awareness of the importance of Tak’s petrified wood which is developing into a conservation and learning site that is an international attraction. It is also an important starting point for the integration of geological tourism with local government entities in the area, including municipalities and Subdistrict Administrative Organisations (SAO), to develop tourism competitiveness in Mai Klai Pen Hin Geo Park creatively suitably for Tak’s potential.”
Mr. Kanok Intravijit, mentioned that: “This endorsement as a statistical data collector for certification from GWR enhances the collection of academic knowledge about petrified wood. In particular, it highlights the conservation of geological natural heritage and research at this site, including documenting disasters through history and changes in the world. Six other pieces of petrified wood have also been discovered here so far, including trees measuring 30 – 45 metres and 0.5-2.0 metres in diameter. It is expected that more petrified wood will be found in the area which has exceptional value because there is nothing else quite like it anywhere else in the world.”
“Overall, this longest fossil-silicified tree trunk in the world Statistical Certification for Doi Soi Malai-Mai Klai Pen Hin National Park, Tak, will encourage people to understand the conservation of natural heritage and encourage participation in their management by public and private sectors. This is something we can all be proud of and cherish at the same time as bringing tourism revenues to the area.”
