Chiang Mai cites concern for houses below as reason for tree felling as issue goes viral
Chiang Mai Municipality has released an explanation after cutting down a tree at Klang Wiang, near the shrine at the central intersection of the old city.
A local Facebook activist, Raks Mae Ping, posted pictures this week of a big tree at Klang Wiang being chopped down on May 3 by the municipality. The post raised many questions about the reasons for felling the tree, with many negative responses from netizens.
After the photos went viral in the city, the Chiang Mai Municipality released a statement that residents were concerned that the old giant could collapse onto their homes. Strong winds battered the city recently, causing a number of trees to fall.
The statement added that six palms planted around the moat have also been removed due to the safety concerns. The palms had already bloomed and were perennials, the statement said.
