According to the Bangkok Post, on August 11, 2009, the Thai government spokesman, MP Pumin Leethiraprasert, said that the Thai cabinet agreed to the proposal of the National Buddhist Office of Thailand to set aside parts from three national parks to build three monasteries.

　　In this proposal, Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Province will set aside 15rai(rai, Thailand’s national area unit, one hectare equals 6.25rai) to build Banthung Namouang Temple. Doi Suthep National Park in Chiang Mai will give up 15rai to build Doi Pui Temple. Phusang National Park in Payao, Thailand will give up 14rai to build Phra That Khun Bong Temple.

　　Mr. Pumin said that when the cabinet was examining the proposal, Suwit Khunkitti, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand, said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had drafted a project of a Buddhist park, aiming at the coexistence of nature and religion, and there would be no situation in which there could be no monasteries in the park or the park would give up its place to build monasteries. In this project, Buddhist laws will look after the forest where their temple is located.

　　However, this project still needs to be submitted to the Thai cabinet for review. (Compile: Sub-rules)

　　The cabinet on Tuesday approved the National Office of Buddhism’s proposal for three national parks to give away parts of their areas for the setting u p of three temples, said deputy government spokesman Pumin Leethiraprasert.

　　Under the proposal, the Pha Taem National Park is to give away 15 rai of its land for the setting up of Ban Thung Na Muang temple in Ubon Ratchathani province, the Doi Suthep National Park to give away 15 rai land to make way for Doi Pui Temple in Chiang Mai, and the Phusang National Park to do likewise with 14 rai land for the Phra That Khun Bong temple in Phayao.

　　Mr Pumin said while the cabinet was considering the proposal, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said his ministry has drawn up a "Buddhist Park" project which is intended for forests and religion to co-exist without having to evict temples out of national parks or requiring the parks to give away parts of their areas for temples. Under the project, Buddhist monks will also look after the forest where their temple is located.

　　The project, however, has yet to be forwarded to the cabinet for consideration.