On Chulalongkorn University’s Facebook page on Saturday (June 8th) it was announced that a rain tree or “Chamchuri”, a 57-year-old symbol of the university, was felled by the strong winds that hit Bangkok last Friday.
The historic tree was one of the five planted in front of the main auditorium, near the university’s flag pole, by the late King Bhumibol on January 15th, 1962. The trees are held dear by students, faculty staff, visitors and the general public and are regarded as a symbol of unity for the university.
“These five trees are given to be remembered forever” the king is quoted as saying on a large plaque in front of the royal trees.
The university reported that all the tree’s roots were torn and it cannot be saved. They plan to cut the tree into 1.5-meter pieces and use the leaves as fertilizer. The larger branches will be kept in the university’s plant house for further consideration as to how they will be used.
Professor Boonchai Stitmannaithum, Vice President for Administration, posted on the university’s bulletin board saying the tree met its end in a natural way, and plans have been made to accommodate its loss. He said many more young Chamchuris will soon be produced from the king’s trees.
