Timbers and Other Forest Products of Thailand (in 1960s)
The forests of Thailand contain a wealth of timber trees and other forests products, which represent an important source of revenue for the country. Principal of these timbers, of course, is teak (Tectona grandis), concentrated mainly in the northern Mixed Hardwood forests. For many decades Teak figured as the principal timber used within the country and for export. In recent years, however, exports of other timbers, particularly those of the Dipterocarp family, have equaled those of Teak. Because of over-cutting in former years, and destruction caused by shifting agriculture and fire, there is a need for a systematic program to restore the teak forests as well as some of the other more important commercial trees.
The following trees are indicative of the variety of timber species in Thailand and their uses. For simplification, these are grouped according to their local application.
Botanical Name Thai Name
Construction:
Adenanthera microsperma Ma-kam-ton
Adenanthera pavonina Ma-kiam-ta-chang
Afzelia xylocarpa Ma-kha-yai
Artocarpus calophylla Kha-nun-pan
Artocarpus lanceifolia Kha-nun-pa
Chukrasia tabularis Siat-ka
Chukrasia velutina Yom-hin
Dipterocarpus alatus Yang-khao
Dipterocarpus costatus Yang-daeng
Dterocarpus dyeri Yang-klong
Dipterocarpus grandiflorus Yang, Yang-yung
Dipterocarpus intricatus Krat
Dipterocarpus obtusifolius Hiang
Hopea ferrea Ta-khian-nu
Hopea
odorata
Ta-khian
Hopea
pierrei
Ta-khian-sai
Lagerstroemia calyculata Ta-baek-yai
Myristica spp. Chan-thet
Nephelium lappaceun Ngo
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Thai Name 1/Most of the species listed have several vernacular names, varying from one
Region to another. The one cited, in most cases, is that in common usage.
Maintained page by Sanguan Chantalay
Updated; September 17,
2006
Last updated: November 17, 2006