ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how eucalyptus has been introduced by the Royal Forest Department of Thailand under the guise of a reforestation program. Eucalyptus is used as a case study of economic interest that may explain the reaction of the Thai government and its bureaucracy in response to short-term politico-economic gain for those involved. After 1958, the Phibun regime and its economic nationalism was overthrown and replaced by the Sarit- and American-supported governments of Pot and Thanom. The new regimes propagated private business and foreign investment as a strong economic instrument to combat communism in Thailand. During 1987-88, representatives from the Paper Association of Japan wanted to form a joint venture in Thailand to grow eucalyptus and support the expansion of eucalyptus plantations, as well as to purchase unlimited amounts of eucalyptus from Thailand. Proponents of eucalyptus have paid little attention to studies pointing to the negative consequences of widespread planting of the trees.
