In the heart of Nonthaburi, the local Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) has kindled a wave of discontent following the removal of countless towering trees in the well-loved Chaloem Kanchanaphisek Park. The rationale for such a move? They aim to cultivate homegrown durian breeds, a product that Thailand is globally renowned for.
The lush and picturesque Chaloem Kanchanaphisek Park, a green oasis sprawling across 98 rai in the tambon Bang Sri Muang region of Muang Nonthaburi district is a favored spot amongst locals. Adding to its prestige, the park is nestled on land owned by none other than the Treasury Department. Underneath its canopies, tranquillity and natural beauty arise unparalleled.
The public first shone a light on the matter when grievances began to flourish on social media platforms over the cutting down of the towering, majestic trees within the park. Among the tree species felled were aged ton thong lang, locally known as Indian Coral trees, ton chamchuri, or rain trees, and ancient santol trees.
For the community who seeks physical wellbeing amidst the park’s verdant scenery, the sight of the elderly trees being felled was heartbreaking. These nature’s giants stood as a sanctuary, its broad and robust branches offering shade to park-goers braving the sweltering Thai heat.
The PAO’s Public Works Bureau’s senior civil engineer, Mr. Phongpan Kittrasen, shared insights into the project. He notes that the initial idea to preserve local durian varieties was conceived by Nonthaburi’s PAO chief, Pol Col Thongchai Yenprasert, in 2021. His vision? To turn a part of the park into an exhibit of the region’s celebrated durian varieties. Consequently, an eight-rai piece within the park has been earmarked for this venture. In executing this vision, a private firm was enlisted with a budget of 46.6 million baht to refurbish the area and plant new durian trees.
The cornerstone of the project was laid in July 2021, and the initial plan was to complete by Jan 21 of the following year. However, the unpredictable Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on this timeline, pushing the expected completion date back to December this year, as revealed by Mr. Phongpan.
This decision to develop the area into a durian orchard meant that the aged trees had to be brought down due to their advanced age and unsuitability for relocation. It’s not all loss, though – some of the felled rain trees have been converted into logs, to be put to future use by the Treasury Department.
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