During the twentieth century, deforestation in Thailand was driven primarily by agricultural expansion,although teak deforestation happened as a direct result of timber-cutting. Much of Thailand's recent economic improvement can be attributed to increased agricultural production for export. The country was able to increase production by clearing much of their forests and converting them to cropland.

PLANTED TEAK IN THAILAND

Appropriate and timely silvicultural management must be carried out to improve both the growth rate and quality. Initial spacing has marked effects on growth, quality and establishment cost. In poor site quality areas plantations should be established with close spacing. Planting time also plays an important role on initial growth and survival of the plantation. The most suitable time for teak planting is during the growth flush period, i.e., the beginning of rainy season. Intensive weeding should be carried out during the first five years after establishment. The outbreak of defoliators and stem borers has become a serious problem; there is no practical method for controlling these insects. First and second thinnings are conducted at ages 5 and 10 years in close spaced plantations using a simple mechanical thinning technique. Subsequent thinnings are carried out using relevant Site Index and Stand Density Tables as thinning guidelines.