Thap Lan National Park, located in eastern Thailand, is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of the largest national parks in Thailand. It is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, which include tropical forests, grasslands, and mountainous terrain.
The park is crucial as it forms a key corridor that connects several other protected areas within the forest complex. This connectivity is vital for the movement and genetic diversity of wildlife species, particularly large mammals such as elephants, which require extensive ranges to thrive. The diverse habitats within the park support a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, dhole, gibbons, and numerous bird species. The park's wetlands and rivers further contribute to its ecological significance by supporting aquatic life and providing essential resources for both wildlife and local communities.

The forests are threatened by illegal logging, encroachment from unsustainable tourism development, and forest degradation along the complex boundaries of the park. There has been an increase in human-wildlife conflict due to the loss and fragmentation of forests and the project is working to address it through the restoration of water holes and salt licks for elephants, plus efforts to monitor their behavior and support rapid response teams.