Let’s discover Hidden Paradise together!
Join naturalists and lifelong friends Wan Chittiwat and Professor Kitichate on a journey across Thailand to explore fragile ecosystems beyond protected areas before they disappear.
Outside protected areas nature still thrives
Thailand established its first national park in 1959, during a period of rapid economic and social growth. As demand for farmland and hunting grounds increased, forest areas quickly declined.
These forests were home to rare animals, endemic plants, and complex ecosystems with remarkable biodiversity.
Protected areas soon became the focus of public attention and received care and legal protection.
However, Thailand still has many natural areas outside official conservation zones places that fare equally vital to the ecosystem. These areas also need protection and careful management.
Some even shelter globally endangered species, yet remain unprotected by law or government agencies.
Hidden Paradise team, with years of experience in environmental storytelling, has found another critical issue. Many natural areas outside protected zones are cared for by local authorities or communities, but often without proper scientific guidance.
Activities such as tree planting, building check dams, or coastal walls are usually done with good intentions, but they can unintentionally harm ecosystems. For example, planting non-native trees can destroy local plant diversity, and check dams can disrupt stream life and natural water flow.
Even more concerning, the government continues to fund these projects with billions of baht every year, despite their negative ecological impacts.
Our team aims to create media that amplifies the voices of ecologists and experts, building public understanding and promoting science-based conservation.
We believe that everyone can protect nature more effectively when guided by accurate knowledge.
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Hidden Paradise team, with years of experience in environmental storytelling, has found another critical issue. Many natural areas outside protected zones are cared for by local authorities or communities, but often without proper scientific guidance.
Activities such as tree planting, building check dams, or coastal walls are usually done with good intentions, but they can unintentionally harm ecosystems. For example, planting non-native trees can destroy local plant diversity, and check dams can disrupt stream life and natural water flow.
Even more concerning, the government continues to fund these projects with billions of baht every year, despite their negative ecological impacts.
Our team aims to create media that amplifies the voices of ecologists and experts, building public understanding and promoting science-based conservation.
We believe that everyone can protect nature more effectively when guided by accurate knowledge.
A Story That Grew Beyond the Page
In October 2025 the Sarakadee Magazine featured our story under the headline Hidden Paradise – Before Nature Vanishes.
This marked the first step of our journey: from a written story into a full-length documentary. Collaborating with Sarakadee’s editorial team, we brought to light the fragile ecosystems that lie beyond protected zones, and the urgent need to protect them.
The book turned into a film is not just a format change. It’s a new opportunity to reach larger audiences, to transform readership into viewership, and to turn awareness into action for nature.
Meet the team
Kawin Sirichantakul
Filmmaker & Director
Documentary filmmaker and Senior Video Producer, representing Thailand in international conservation projects and award-winning environmental film competitions.
Suphachai Thongsak
Director & Advisor
Award-winning documentary filmmaker and storyteller, known for his impactful work with Thai PBS and major streaming platforms.
Suwat Asavachaichan
Executive Producer
Editor-in-Chief of Sarakadee Magazine, is a veteran storyteller with over 40 years of experience, passionately dedicated to nature, and environmental storytelling.
Chittiwat Pornprasert
Documentary Photographer
Ecologist, lecturer, and conservation photojournalist whose works have appeared in The Sun, Reuters, UNDP, and WWF, and he serves as Nikon Asia’s Brand Ambassador.
Dr. Kitichate Sridith
Botanist and Ecologist
Thailand’s renowned ecologists, with over 30 years of research on Southeast Asian flora, dedicated to biodiversity conservation and ecological education.
Watcharapong Tipmontian
Producer
Documentary filmmaker and producer with over five years of experience in travel media. His works have been screened across Asia and recognized for their compelling storytelling.
Kanyanat Techotiussanee
Production Coordinator
Journalist trained in environmental reporting, she’s worked with Thai PBS, WorkpointTODAY, and international media programs.
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HIDDEN PARADISE team is racing against time to document and share knowledge about ecosystems
— Protecting them from destruction —