World · Thailand Bureau
Fifteen trees removed at King Rama IX memorial in Chiang Mai
Authorities in Chiang Mai have felled 15 trees at a park memorial dedicated to the late King Rama IX, prompting questions about the scope and timing of the removal project.
LSN Thailand ·
Park officials in Chiang Mai confirmed the removal of 15 trees from the grounds of a memorial dedicated to the late King Rama IX. The tree-felling operation took place at the park site, which honors the reign of Thailand's longest-serving monarch who passed away in 2016.
Authorities did not immediately provide detailed justification for the scale of the removal, though such projects at commemorative sites typically involve maintenance concerns, structural assessments, or development planning. The operation has drawn attention given the symbolic significance of memorials dedicated to the revered late king.
The removal occurred amid ongoing efforts by local governments across Thailand to maintain public spaces and parks. Chiang Mai's parks management has faced periodic scrutiny over maintenance decisions at heritage and memorial sites throughout the region.
Official statements regarding the long-term plans for the memorial site and whether replanting efforts are planned have yet to be released. The incident reflects broader discussions in Thailand about balancing park development with the preservation of mature vegetation and commemorative spaces.
Photo: A nine-tiered royal umbrella honouring King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in Rama IX Lanna Park, Chiang Mai, October 2026. Strudem via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).