Chaiwat Hengsanankul, chief of Surin’s Natural Resource and Environment Office, said the cabinet resolution issued on April 18, 1995, requires Buddhist temples or monasteries in forest areas to take part in forest conservation and reforestation.

Mr. Chaiwat said the surveys found 47 forest monasteries had been set up without permission, five in forest reserves and 42 others in land reform zones. Some of them have already sought permission to stay legally in those areas, he said.

Mr. Chaiwat said his agency, the Religious Affairs Department and the Sangha Council will work together to get cooperation of these forest temples in the reforestation project.