Ten percent of all bird species can be found in Thailand. It is a zoogeographic crossroads or in common terms a melting pot. This because the country’s avifauna comprises Sino-Himalayan, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Chinese and Sundaic elements as well as a large number of migrant visitors.
There are a number of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and protected areas which are the main birding spots where birds can be seen all year round.
November to February is the peak time for migrating species when most areas are good for birdwatching. In the north where the weather is cooler the most popular destinations are Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Pui/Suthep National Park, Doi Chiengdao Wildlife Sanctuary, Doi Angkhang and Chiengsaen.
One of the best areas for birdwatching first thing in the morning is in north east at the Khao Yai National Park. Then there is Kroeng-Kravia , Tung Yai and Kaeng Krachan in the west and south west. With Khao Sam Roi Yot a little further south.
Next at the hottest time of the year, March to June is good for both passage migrants and resident species, which are then breeding. The best areas are in the west, south west and the south . The mangroves in Krabi, Khao Nor Chu Chi and the Halabala Wildlife Sanctuary in the far south.
July to October is the rainy season which is a lot quieter but good for resident species and breeding visitors. With sightings of passage migrants from August to October. The best birding spots are in the central plains in and around Bangkok and Kampangsaen. As well the coastal areas Bangpu and Samutsakhorn fromSeptember to October.