Every time I asked someone about reforestation at places (in Thailand), I got answers like “Thais are good at writing and making up projects, once (budget) money is allocated, no one bothers to check how the money is spent and what the results or effectiveness of the projects are.

Big projects mean more money and more ways ‘to pinch’ off national treasure (into one’s own pockets). Petty pilfering appears common and acceptable (from talks I had with many people while on my recent southern Thailand journey).