About 500 people planted trees in Takhiantia in honor of HM the Queen’s upcoming birthday.
Chathiphat Monyupanao, president of the Bowin Enduro Supercycle Cross Club, and Aod Apipunyo, head of the Muang Jansuda Khao Waipong House of Monks, were joined by students and volunteers at the Takhiantia house of worship July 23 for the fifth-annual forest-cultivation project.
The group planted 3,000 Siamese rosewood, Burmese padauk, ironwood, yang and mahogany saplings with the support of the Royal Forestry Department.
Chathiphat said the event is held each year in honor of HM Queen Sirikit’s Aug. 12 birthday with funds coming from her Mother of the Land foundation.
Aod Apipunyo said that because the event is held in July each year, the saplings have better than 50 percent odds of growing into mature trees due to the seasonal rainfall.
In addition, the monks nurture the trees by fertilizing, weeding and pruning them.
It’s hoped the reforestation efforts will raise the public’s environmental awareness and, once grown, the forest will provide a natural source of water.
