Giant Pine Tree Falls at Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai
A 61-year-old pine tree collapsed at Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai on September 14, damaging one vehicle and narrowly missing shops, though no injuries were reported. The incident has prompted calls for systematic safety inspections of la
A massive 61-year-old pine tree suddenly collapsed at the base of the stairway entrance to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara in Suthep District, Chiang Mai at 9:30 a.m. on September 14. The tree, which had been planted since 1965, fell unexpectedly, scattering branches and timber debris across a wide area. The fallen tree narrowly missed roadside shops, alarming residents and local business owners. One red vehicle was damaged in the incident. Following the collapse, park officials, residents, and temple staff worked together to cut branches and clear the area, removing debris that blocked the stairway entrance and restoring normal public access while inspecting the surrounding area for safety. Local residents disclosed that they had previously requested multiple agencies to inspect the tree due to concerns about the condition of its trunk. Today the large pine tree finally toppled, though fortunately no one was injured. The incident has raised concerns about the need for systematic inspection and safety assessment of large trees in tourist areas where large numbers of visitors and tourists regularly pass through, to prevent similar serious incidents from occurring in the future.