Amata B.Grimm Power has joined the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Embassy of Germany in Thailand and Amata Foundation at an inaugural ceremony of the “Pha Kluay Mai – Nam Tok Heo Suwat Nature Trail to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of Thai – German Friendship” at Khao Yai National Park.
The opening of the 3.4-km nature trail was presided over by Gen Surayud Chulanont, in his capacity as President of the Statesman Foundation, together with H.E. Mr. Georg Schmidt, Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to Thailand, Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm and Mr. Vikrom Kromadit, Chairman of Amata Foundation.
The “Pha Kluay Mai – Nam Tok Heo Suwat Nature Trail to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of Thai – German Friendship” is a tripartite cooperation between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the German Embassy in Thailand and Amata Foundation, with support from Amata B.Grimm Power company. The nature trail is meant for educating and enhancing tourists’ experiences on sustainable conservation of natural resources and the environment. It connects the two famous waterfalls — Pha Kluai Mai and Heo Suwat — along the route that traverses the Lam Ta Khong creek through bamboo forests interspersed with evergreen and dry forests.
Along the path, a loud rumbling of Pha Kluay Mai Waterfall in the rainy season could be heard. But when the water recedes in the dry season, traces of volcanic lava flow originated hundreds of millions of years ago is visible along with the “stone flower,”’ a new type of plant in the world that emerges from the water. Then there is wai daeng whose red flowers bloom in April on the cliff of the waterfall which is named after it.
said the opening of the nature walk celebrates the relationship between Thailand and Germany which dates back to the reign of King Mongkut and became official when King Chulalongkorn made his visits to Europe in 1897 and 1907. His Majesty’s trips marked the start of official diplomatic relations with European countries, and strengthened already existing ties between the Siamese Court and some of the leading countries of Europe, especially Russia and Germany. A Thai pavilion was built in the German town of Bad Homburg to commemorate His Majesty’s visit there.
Today, the relationship between Thailand and Germany has flourished in various fields including economic, academic and technology transfer, product enhancement promotion, sharing of technology in agriculture and environment, sustainable management of water resources and cooperation to develop neighbouring countries.
In terms of trade relations, the private sector in the early stages had a wide range of trade, with B.Grimm being one of the companies that has still been operating in Thailand for 144 years. B.Grimm started out with pharmaceutical business before spreading to many other types of ventures in the fields of industrial, healthcare, lifestyle, transport, with energy business becoming a core venture. All of these businesses have focussed on creating benefits for society, economy and environment in Thailand.
Dr. Link added that the opening of this nature walk underscores the importance of natural resource conservation and the environment the two countries have placed. In addition, the cooperation involving the trail development also fulfils B.Grimm’s vision of “Doing business with compassion for the development of civilization in harmony with nature”, by focussing on creating benefits for people and society, placing importance on the conservation of the environment and wildlife.
This 3.4-km “Pha Kluay Mai – Nam Tok Heo Suwat Nature Trail to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of Thai – German Friendship” with minor slopes is easy to complete within 2-3 hours. Sport shoes or hiking boots are recommended, along with leech socks to protect leeches in the rainy season. In the cold season, wild elephants are foraging in the area, so visitors must inform Park Ranger before walking the trail. To enhance experience with nature, visitors are recommended to bring along drinking water, camera, a magnifying glass and a notebook to record your memories and enjoyment.
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