Bueng Boraphet

Bueng Boraphet (Thai: บึงบอระเพ็ด, pronounced [bɯ̄ŋbɔ̄ː.rā.pʰét], lit.'giloy swamp') is the largest freshwater swamp and lake in Central Thailand. It covers an area of 224 km2 east of Nakhon Sawan, south of the Nan River close to its confluence with the Ping River. This swamp is visible from the train window on the Northern Line, between Bueng Boraphet and Thap Krit stations.

Originally the area was covered by a large swamp, which was flooded in 1930 with the building of a dam to improve fishing.

This is the only known site for the white-eyed river martin which used to winter there, but has not been seen since 1980, and may be extinct.

Once, the Siamese tiger perch was considered the most iconic fish species here, so much so that people used to say, "If anyone comes to Bueng Borapet and doesn't eat this fish, it's as if they've never arrived." But now, it has likely become completely extinct in Bueng Boraphet due to overfishing, both for consumption and for the ornamental fish trade.

A near-threatened species, the marsh grassbird, was first discovered in Thailand here in early December 2019.

One hundred and six square kilometres of the lake were declared a non-hunting area in 1975. In 2000 it was designated a wetland of international importance by the Thai government.

Location

See also

• DNP - Bueng Boraphet Non-hunting Area

External links