Prolific conservationist Pol Sub Lt Wichai Suriyuth, who succeeded in his ambition to plant more than three million trees in his lifetime, died on Saturday night. He was 77.
His death was announced on Sunday by the "Tree for Dhamma" Facebook page, which said the former policeman -- who gained fame from being featured in a conservation advertisement where he said he was taunted and ridiculed for setting a goal to plant more than three million trees -- had died the night before.
Pol Sub Lt Wichai's last words were to tell people not to be saddened by his death, Tree for Dhamma quoted his daughter Kritsadawan as saying.
"Do not get sad. Life has many other things in store for you."
Phra Paisan Wisalo, president of the Tree for Dhamma Foundation committee, paid tribute to the conservationist, writing in an obituary that he wished "Pol Sub Lt Wichai would ascend to heaven, which he believes is full of lush trees".
Pol Sub Lt Wichai was named one of the country's most outstanding personalities of 2006. He claimed the honour for effectively turning his hometown in Si Sa Ket's Prang Ku district, once known for barren land and described as being among the country's most poverty-stricken areas, into a green oasis.
Wichai's tree-growing mission was deep-rooted in his belief that trees are key to providing a sustainable future for local people.
In 2001, Wichai was honoured by His Holiness, the Supreme Patriarch, for his contribution to Buddhism through environmental preservation.
That same year, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented him with an award for environmental protection. In 2002, he received an award from the Green World Foundation.
A photo of Pol Sub Lt Wichai Suriyuth preparing the ground to plant trees. The conservationist who planted more than 3 million trees died on Saturday. Pol Sub Lt Wichai's Facebook page