KANCHANABURI: Construction of a wooden boardwalk around an old tree at a tourist attraction has drawn mixed reactions from local residents and visitors, with local authorities seeking to charge six people for particularly harsh criticism.
The boardwalk is a recent addition at the site of the 100-year-old Jamjuree tree, locally known as a kampoo tree, in Ban Koh Samrong village in Muang district. It is part of a community development project carried out by six local agencies including the army’s Kanchanaburi veterinary and agriculture division, Muang district authorities and forestry management agencies.
Col Amnart Changpanit, director of the Kanchanaburi-based veterinary and agriculture division responsible for the site, said the tree had deteriorated in recent years with many branches dying. This prompted his office to seek help from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to help rehabilitate the tree, which has gradually become healthy.
Diseases and insects have affected parts of the tree. More importantly, its roots were at risk of being damaged by people walking in the area and vehicles parked around it.
Some people also scraped its bark to find lucky numbers to try their luck, making the tree more vulnerable to diseases. If nothing was done, the tree would not last long, said Col Amnat.
He organised a brainstorming meeting with various parties and they came up with the idea of constructing a wooden boardwalk around the tree.
The Jamjuree tree in Ban Koh Samrong village has become a magnet for tourists. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)
While supporters say the boardwalk is an effective measure to prevent people and vehicles from crushing its roots, others say it has destroyed the natural beauty of the area.
Some opponents posted harsh criticism online against those responsible for the project.
Muang district chief Withoon Sirinukun on Friday assigned legal officials to file complaints with police against at least six of the fiercest critics. It’s not clear what they could be charged with.
Prasarn Niyomsap, a member of Kanchanaburi provincial council, said the tree should be preserved.
In the past, he said, there were no public utilities in the area, but as the tree started to draw tourists, local authorities began developing the site.
The development project, including a boardwalk, a bridge and other utilities, as well as internet access, has not been completed yet. He urged opponents to wait until everything was finished before criticising authorities.
Vending stalls are set up near the giant tree in Bang Samrong village. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)
(Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)