The romance of teak

By James R. Summerlin Robert S. Osgood, Inc. Los Angeles

Burma

f orested areas make up over 5O%of the total land area of-Burma.These areas are classified either as "Reserved Forests" which are in permanent timber production by scientific forest management or as "Unclassed Forests" which may be converted to other agricultural products.

It is probable that at some future date, many of these latter areas will be reclassified to be "Reseryed Forests." The jungles of Burma consist of mixed deciduous species of which teak comprises up to l0 to lS%,makingit Ihe most economically important forest rype.

Before World War II, there were between 6000 and 7000 trained elephants utilized in Burma's logging of teak forests along with about 10.000 water buffaloes. The hardships of war caused this force to be cut in about half and tractors, power yarders, skidders, etc., were introduced as a supplement. Due to the scattered nature of the merchantable teak (from 1500 to 5000 board feet per hectare) the elephant herds had to be replenished. Today they are again utilized almost entirely in logging operations.

Transportation of logs from remote forested areas to Rangoon remain a severe problem since the lack of railroads and inadequately maintained highways cause the use of rivers to be vital. Due to this reason. the State Timber Board estimates that only about 30% of the total reserved forest areas can be economically exploited. Before World War II, Burma was the leading teak export nation in the world. After the War, this position was lost to Thailand but slowly Burma is gaining it back.

Thailand

Thailand (Siam) is unique in Southeast Asia in that it basically has always been.an independent nation unmarked by memories of colonialism.

This country was ruled under a constitutional monarchy since 1932 with a King having limited authority. But this situation is changing due to a politically powerful military sector.

Due to having fairly stable government in years past, Thailand has attracted and encouraged foreign investment. Here again, The East Asiatic Co. played a prominent role in the teak industry.

When reviewing factors in Thai teak history, mention must be made of Louis T. Leonowens. This very colorful character was the son of Anna Harriette Leonowens who, after being widowed in Singapore, was hired as a teacher to King Mongkut's children in 1862. Louis was only seven years old at the time. This charming story was somewhat reenacted in the theatrical production of "The King and I" and the earlier "Anna and the KinS of Siam". Even though Louis and his mother only remained in Siam for five years, the experience left such an impression upon him that he returned later in life to play an important role in the development of the teak industry of Siam.

Thailand's teak forests made up approximately -60% of the total land area. Until 1896, when King Rama V established the Royal Forest Department, Thais could freely cut teak with the exception in the northern forests which were the properties of local chiefs. Chinese, the main merchants of Thai teak in the 1800s, almost exclusively bought from the local chiefs until about 1882 when the first Europeans, primarily British and Danish, appeared on the scene. Slowly, through a series of treaties with Great Britain, the Thailand Government gained control of the Northern sources.

During its earliest years (18961925) the Royal Forest Department was headed and staffed by European foresters. Beginning in abolt 1926, this department has been operated by native Thais controlling the exploitation of teak with permits and concessions under strict regulations. About

76,000 square miles are administered as Thailand's forest reserves. About 4OVo arc classified as watershed areas with the balance being productive forests.

On a similar plane to Burma, elephants were used almost exclusively for the logging operations in Thailand before the Second World War. This is still preferred in the northern mountainous country although tractors and trucks in combination with a limited railway system are used in the eastern and southern, primarily non-teak, areas. Today there are a few hundred sawmills in Thailand but only a handful have any type of meaningful production equipment.

Many European sources consider Burmese teak superior to that from Thailand. This is questionable whether the conclusion is made from the quality of the trees or in the care of selection and handling of the export product. One area of total agreement though is the apparent rapid disappearance of large teak trees.

The largest known teak tree in Thailand is located in the Huey Dib Forest. It has a diameter of almost 90" (4-l12' above ground) and a heighth of over I 50'.

Unfortunately, these large beautiful trees will never again be seen in abundance within our lifetimes. The Royal Forest Department considers a diameter of 24" or larger to determine a mature merchantable tree. About one tree of this description is allowed to be cut per each two acres on a 30-year cutting cycle.

There exist other scattered known areas having teak such as Java in Indonesia, where this species was brought (presumably from India) centuries ago.

The fact remains that Burma and Thailand are the only areas still fortunate enough to possess this highly valuable resource in modest abundance. Irt us hope that our generation and those to come recognize the irreplaceable value of this prized species.

Story at a Glance

Part two of a two part look at the development in the West of teak, one of the storied woods of the Far East. .its history and present status in India, Burma and Thailand is outlined.

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