Pattaya Deputy Mayor Vows to Protect Iconic Walking Street Tree After Tree Trimming Controversy

Pattaya —

The Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Manoch Nongyai inspected a “historic tree” on Walking Street in South Pattaya on Wednesday, August 30th, to reassure the public that the city will not tear it down after some businesses lodged complaints against it for its outstretched limbs and called for trimming, but not chopping, of the tree.

The trimming had been scheduled as part of the recent sign and power line removals on Walking Street, as we covered here.

The tree, which is over 80 years old, had become the subject of recent complaints mainly concerning its branches that have extended into private spaces of nearby businesses.

The tree is actually a tamarind tree, and it is considered one of the most iconic symbols of Walking Street. It has been there for decades and is a visible symbol in pictures of the early days of Walking Street in the 70s and 80s, making residents nearby bond with it both physically and spiritually.

Yesterday, August 29th, 2023, many people on Walking Street marched on workers who attempted to trim its branches, misunderstanding that the workers wanted to cut it down. This caused confusion and anxiety with upset citizens afraid the tree was being cut down.

This public outcry prompted Manoch to inspect the tree himself today to reassure the public that the tamarind tree will not be cut down, only trimmed to make its limbs less intrusive.

Manoch said that he understands the concerns of the public, but he also believes that the tree is an important part of Pattaya’s history and culture. He said that the city will work with experts in agricultural science to ensure that the tree is properly maintained and trimmed, so that it could live as long as Walking Street.

This isn’t the first controversy with trees in Pattaya as a similar situation halted Pattaya Beach Road renovation in 2021 when angry protesters stopped construction workers from cutting down historic trees.