Thailand’s renowned social activist, Srisuwan Janya, has voiced his strong objection to the planned felling of several Yang trees, some of which are thought to be over 100 years old, in the northeastern province of Yasothon.

The Highways Department plans to remove them to enable the doubling of the width of a highway.

The road in question is Highway 23, between Yasothon and Ban Yor, and the trees are on a 3Km stretch between the 182 and 185 kilometer markers. This section of the road is regarded as being among the most picturesque, tree-lined roads in the country.

On his Facebook page, Srisuwan said that local residents have been protecting the Yang trees for decades, as they provide shade for travelers using the road, adding that the felling amounts to harassment of the local people with a total disregard for the environment.

He called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the director-general of Highways Department and the provincial governor to rethink the plan and to find an alternative route, which would spare the trees.

Tags: Yang trees, over 100 years old, Highways Department