The tree-planting hero of Sisaket passes away

His daughter Krisdawal conveyed a brief message from her father to his followers, writing, “Don't be sad. There is still so much more to do in life”.

Phra Paisal Visalo, the chairman of the Dharma Planting Foundation, posted condolences, expressing the hope that Dab Wichai, sometimes referred to as the “madman who plants trees”, had peacefully moved on to a heavenly realm adorned with abundant and serene forests.

Dab Wichai is widely known in Thai society for his remarkable achievement of planting those three million trees in Prang Ku District, Sisaket Province. Through his efforts, he transformed Prang Ku, once considered one of Thailand’s driest districts, into an area that is now fertile and flourishing.

Wichai was born in Sisaket Province to a family of rice farmers with low socio-economic status.

After completing his education, Wichai joined the police force and initially worked in Nakhon Ratchasima before eventually relocating to the Prang Ku District police station.

At that time, Prang Ku was one of the driest districts in Thailand, characterised by the absence of mountains, forests and rivers. The soil is sandy, and the region faces numerous challenges, including rampant theft and crime.

Having grown up in the area and serving there as a police officer, Dab Wichai was well aware of these issues. Recognising the need to improve the quality of life for the residents, he decided to plant trees.

He believed that by doing so, he could create sustainable benefits for current and future generations, addressing long-standing problems and fostering a better living environment for the community.

Since 1988, every morning and after finishing work, Dab Wichai would ride his motorcycle to plant trees in various areas of Prang Ku District. In the beginning, in the eyes of the local residents, he was perceived as a madman. He brushed off such comments and persisted in planting trees every day.

Dab Wichai focused on planting perennial trees that contribute to the soil’s moisture content, aiming to create a legacy of fertile soil for future generations.

In addition to providing shade and improving air quality for humans, Dab Wichai's trees have positively impacted the lives of many.

The multitude of trees has also become a source of income for numerous people, and contributes to the overall development of the community, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

There are reports indicating that even at the age of 75, despite suffering from kidney disease and requiring intermittent dialysis, Dab Wichai continued to plant trees.

In 1998, the community began to see the positive results of Dab Wichai's tree-planting efforts and joined him in his efforts. Over the years, Prang Ku transformed into a prosperous and fertile region.

Dab Wichai once said, “I believe the material world is all an assumption. True happiness lies in being with nature and respecting it. I will continue to plant trees, plant continuously, plant until I die.”