Highways Department’s tree-mendous tribute for king’s birthday

The Department of Highways, District 16, recently launched a tree-planting initiative in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday. The event took place at Highway 44, between the kilometre markers 132+700, in Kanchanadit district, Surat Thani.

The event saw the participation of over 700 individuals, including executives, highway department officials, employees, and contractors. Led by Paijit Saengthong, Director of District 16, the initiative aimed to commemorate the king’s birthday by contributing to environmental conservation and enhancing green spaces.

Paijit highlighted the significance of the initiative.

“The tree-planting project is a tribute to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has always shown deep concern for the well-being of the people. His steadfast commitment to national stability and public happiness is reflected in this project. We aim to continue his legacy of conservation and forest resource restoration.”

District 16’s collaboration with various units, including the 4th Bridge Construction and Restoration Centre and the Songkhla Construction Centre, marked the event as a significant effort in the 72 Million Trees for the King campaign. This campaign promotes reforestation and the expansion of green areas to combat climate change, air pollution, and global warming.

The selected location for the project spans more than 200 rai (approximately 79 acres) along the central median of Highway 44, between kilometre markers 126+100 and 132+400. The initiative received approval from the Ministry of Transport and is part of a broader effort to plant and nurture trees in the region.

The project involved coordinated efforts from District 16, responsible for preparing the planting area along the highway’s central median. The Surat Thani Highway Department’s sections 1, 2, and 3 were tasked with ensuring the site’s readiness for the planting activities.

In addition, the Chumphon Nursery Centre provided essential support by supplying saplings for the project. The varieties included 6,000 Golden Shower trees, 6,000 Yellow Elder trees, and 600 Tabebuia trees, resulting in a total of 12,600 trees planted, reported KhaoSod.