Although payment for ecosystem services (PES) is a globally-recognized mechanism for effective forest protection (e.g., REDD + for forest carbon), implementation can be challenging, especially on a local level. This study examined community perceptions of and willingness to participate in PES-project development for protection of a watershed forest at Phu Kao (PK) in northeast Thailand. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 404 household representatives from 10 villages in or near PK during 2018 and 2019. Although PES-project development is a new concept at PK, we received positive responses from the villagers. Estimated amounts of willingness to pay (WTP, n = 204) were smaller than willingness to accept (WTA, n = 200). Income constraint was the main factor limiting WTP, followed by perceptions that forest protection was the government's responsibility, and lack of understanding/trust on PES implementation. Meanwhile, benefit reduction, especially food sources and income generated from non-timber forest products, hindered WTA. PES-development, at least in the early stages, requires a proper balance of technical expertise, governmental intervention, and long-term commitment from relevant stakeholders. Project failure is likely without a good understanding of community perceptions and capacity building.

尽管为生态系统服务（PES）付费是全球公认的有效森林保护机制（例如，针对森林碳的REDD +），但实施起来可能具有挑战性，尤其是在地方一级。这项研究调查了社区对泰国东北部富考（PK）保护流域森林的PES项目开发的意愿和参与程度。在2018年和2019年期间，对PK内或附近10个村庄的404位家庭代表进行了半结构化访谈。尽管PES项目开发是PK的一个新概念，但我们收到了村民的积极回应。支付意愿的估计数量（WTP，n = 204）小于接受意愿（WTA，n = 200）。收入限制是限制支付意愿的主要因素，其次，人们认为森林保护是政府的责任，并且对PES的实施缺乏了解/信任。同时，利益减少，特别是粮食来源和非木材林产品产生的收入，阻碍了WTA。PES的发展，至少在早期阶段，需要适当的技术专长，政府干预以及相关利益相关者的长期承诺之间的平衡。如果对社区的看法和能力建设没有很好的了解，则项目失败的可能性很大。政府干预以及相关利益相关者的长期承诺。如果对社区的看法和能力建设没有很好的了解，则项目失败的可能性很大。政府干预以及相关利益相关者的长期承诺。如果对社区的看法和能力建设没有很好的了解，则项目失败的可能性很大。