Felling of 143-year-old Krabi tree to boost environmental awareness sparks outrage

PHUKET: The felling of a 143-year-old ma haard tree, to be turned into a sculpture for Krabi Town, sparked social media outrage after pictures circulated on Facebook of the downed tree this week.

Krabi Municipality Mayor Kittisak Phukaoluan took credit for the idea and responded to the criticism by explaining that the structure would be a positive way to promote environmental conservationism and tourism in Krabi.

“Even though the public seriously criticized this decision, I think it is a good strategy for boosting the environmental conservation movement. It will make people more aware of the destruction of nature and it will motivate us to protect our environment,” Mr Kittisak explained.

“It will also promote the arts in Krabi.”

Mr Kittisak announced that the sculpture made from the tree would be named “Born to Die”.

The sculpture will be created by renowned Thai artist Kamol Tassananchalee and Japanese artist Katsumi Mukai.

“The idea for the sculpture was mine; please do not blame the artists for this. They were not involved in the decision,” Mr Kittisak added.

He went on to explain that the tree was donated from the owner of the land it stood on, Mr Suvann Mukura, who was planning to use the tree to build a house.

“Mr Suvann agreed that it would be more beneficial for the province if the tree were used to build a sculpture,” Mr Kittisak said.

“The sculpture will stand in Krabi for hundreds of years.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong