Chom Chaiyabut, Thailand
From Village Roots to Global Voice
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Rooted in land, moved to protect it
Chom grew up in Thailand’s culturally diverse southern border provinces,
where
Thai Muslims, Buddhists, and ethnic Chinese communities live
side by side. Raised by
his grandmother in Songkhla, he spent his life
close to nature—working in agriculture
and staying connected to the forests,
rivers, and coastlines that shaped his
identity.After witnessing
environmental destruction elsewhere, he returned home with a
mission
—restoring local ecosystems and inspiring others to help protect
their
shared land.
A citizen’s voice at the Global Assembly
In 2021, Chom was selected to join the first Global Citizens’ Assembly. Though he had never
travelled abroad and spoke no English, he embraced the opportunity—engaging in the process from his home
country, Thailand, and delivering part of the People’s Declaration at COP26.
I was nervous. I never imagined someone like me could be part of something so international. But the
Assembly welcomed everyone. It didn’t matter where you came from or how much you’d studied. Everyone’s
voice mattered.
Local leadership, global connection
Since returning from COP26, Chom has expanded his environmental efforts with more
community
support than ever before.
- Restoring Nature – Chom continues to lead reforestation efforts
and
protect local waterways to prevent drought and erosion.
- Mobilising Others – His actions have inspired neighbours to
take
ownership of environmental care in their own backyards.
- Spreading Awareness – Through workshops, word of mouth,
and
partnership with local leaders, Chom shares what he learned globally
with his community.
