February 14, 2023
BANGKOK – The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) joined the Valentine’s Day excitement by releasing an aerial photo of a heart-shaped forest in Chiang Rai.
The photo was taken by the SPOT 6 satellite, which is 694 kilometres above the Earth and orbits in synchronicity with the Sun.
The heart-shaped dipterocarp forest is located in Chiang Rai’s Phaya Meng Rai district and is near Wat Doi Mon Pa Yang aka Wat Santitham.
Gistda spokesman Dr Siam Lawawirojwong said the forest serves as a “green heart” providing clean air for the remote Santitham village. The forest is surrounded by paddy fields and cassava plantations.