Century-Old Chiang Mai Fig Tree Relocated Amid Controversy

[snoop1130]

 

In a move that has divided the Chiang Mai community, the Highway Department has completed the relocation of a 100-year-old fig tree, previously rooted in the centre of a busy highway in Muang district. The landmark tree's relocation to the grounds of Chiang Mai's museum follows a ruling by the Chiang Mai Administrative Court on July 2.

 

For many years, the age-old tree nestled near the Rinkam intersection symbolised more than just a natural curiosity; it represented the heart of a growing debate. Constructed around in the midst of a major road, the tree contributed to a bottleneck that sparked safety concerns as accidents became more frequent in the area.

 

Residents living close by have long campaigned for its relocation due to safety hazards, echoing worries that the potential collapse of the tree could trigger further incidents. The fig tree's vicinity had, over time, also become infamous as a hotspot for waste disposal and less savoury activities, adding to the disquiet.

 

Yet, it's not only the locals who were concerned. Environmental protection groups, notably the Committee for the Protection of Mae Ping and its Environment, joined forces with a road safety support organisation in 2018. They lodged protests and petitions, including pleas to the Human Rights Commission, to halt any tampering with the notable tree.

 

The court's decision set the wheels in motion for the tree's delicate extraction, which began in September. The move, completed before the deadline on October 2, aims to blend preservation with public safety. Now residing in front of Chiang Mai's museum, the fig tree embarks on a new chapter while the community reassesses the highway's future.

 

Photo: Thai PBS World

 

-- 2024-10-28

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

including pleas to the Human Rights Commission, to halt any tampering with the notable tree.

The fig tree has human rights?

I do not think so.

[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Yet, it's not only the locals who were concerned. Environmental protection groups, notably the Committee for the Protection of Mae Ping and its Environment, joined forces with a road safety support organisation in 2018. They lodged protests and petitions, including pleas to the Human Rights Commission, to halt any tampering with the notable tree.

Why?

[rwill]

Humans have a resistance to change.  But they also forget stuff real quick too.  By next year no one will be thinking about this anymore.

[Sydebolle]

Good luck with that one; the figgie will react accordingly over time - hoping for the best 😉