Seven volunteers have been identified as suspects in the felling of wild Himalayan cherry trees, known as Thailand’s Sakura, in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chiang Mai, sparking public anger and criticism.
Yongyut Nakviroj, director general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the seven were among a group of volunteers who had been given verbal permission to clean up and improve the landscape around a pavilion in the park.
He cited a report from Thongchai Narat, chief of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, who identified the seven individuals in photographs and video footage related to the incident.
Yongyut said Narat had clarified that the permission did not extend to cutting down trees.
An inspection found that 15 trees had been felled using chainsaws and processed into 46 logs.
They comprised 11 wild Himalayan cherry trees cut into 40 logs, two golden shower trees cut into three logs, one Indian trumpet tree cut into one log and one Norfolk Island pine cut into two logs.
The incident has drawn widespread public criticism after photographs and video footage emerged showing the trees being cut down.
The pink blossoms of the wild Himalayan cherry, locally known as Nang Phaya Sua Krong, make the site a popular photography destination for tourists during the cool season.
Park officials have filed a police complaint over the tree felling.
According to Yongyut, the volunteers said they had removed the trees because they obstructed the view of the pavilion and they feared fallen leaves would make the area look untidy.
The group has apologised to park authorities and said it had no intention of causing damage.
The activity was part of a community clean-up initiative involving residents from three villages: Ban Doi Suthep, Ban Phu Phing and Ban Doi Pui.
The group first carried out the activity on October 9 and returned for a second round on October 13.
