The latest tree-cutting by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has drawn criticism from a well-known local conservation group who said it was "unprofessional."

Last Tuesday, the "Thaifootpath" Facebook account posted images of Burma Padauk trees, or 'pradu" in Thai, which had been cut to their lower trunks.

The trees line a footpath near Lumpini Park on Witthayu Road. Also posted were similar scenes along Charoen Rat and Chan roads in Sathon district.

Oraya Sutabutr, co-founder of Big Trees, an urban conservation group, told the Bangkok Post yesterday the tree surgery is not being done professionally.

"Usually, we would only cut off the dead parts, but these pictures clearly show that healthy branches are being pruned," said Ms Oraya.

"The BMA's claim the trees will grow back is untrue," she said. "Trees that are cut too much will get weaker and die eventually."

The conservationist also warned the severity of the pruning in Sathon and Pathumwan districts is likely to weaken the roots and actually make them more prone to falling in heavy wind.

Big Trees is part of a conservation network that has run tree workshops for BMA workers over the past few years.

Despite this training apparently having gone to waste on this occasion, Ms Oraya did say the BMA has generally improved its standards in many parts of the city.

However, Ms Oraya says the problem lies with district directors who lack the "vision and awareness" to ensure that only skilled tree surgeons are used for environmental work in their areas.