Thread: Kanchanaburi Officials Refuse to Cut Down 'Sacred Tree'

KANCHANBURI — Local officials say they cannot remove a tree that blocks a thoroughfare in Kanchanaburi province because it is believed to possess spiritual powers.

Many motorists have complained about the Bodhi tree, which takes up a significant portion of the road in Thamaka district, officials said.

However, the tree cannot be cut down because locals believe it is sacred and possesses spirits that could harm the workers, the director of Thamaka Municipality explained today.

"The villagers believe that Bodhi is the type of tree that Lord Buddha sat under when he attained Enlightenment. It's something villagers respect, so we respect that too, because we are also Buddhists," Thamaka Municipality director Abhisama Bhodharamkul told Khaosod. "In the past, someone tried to cut it down but went insane instead. Another person tried to use a backhoe to clear it but the vehicle just broke down."

According to Aphisama, the tree was there even before the road was paved.

"The Bodhi tree stood in the middle [of the dirt road], and locals always travel on the sides," she said.

She added that local residents regard the tree as "lucky" because many of those who have prayed to the Bodhi tree have had their wishes granted.

"It's a holy tree," said Siriwan Siriwaree, a 40-year-old resident in Thamaka district. "Many people asked for lucky lottery number, and they get it. Some also asked for success in their life. They say that an elder ghost is residing in that tree."

Kanchanaburi Officials Refuse to Cut Down 'Sacred Tree'

The thought of building the road around it didn't occur to these people.?

^ They couldn't. There was an electricity pole on one side and some bush on the other side.

"In the past, someone tried to cut it down but went insane instead.

Another person tried to use a backhoe to clear it but the vehicle just broke down."

many of those who have prayed to the Bodhi tree have had their wishes granted.

"Many people asked for lucky lottery number, and they get it. Some also asked for success in their life. They say that an elder ghost is residing in that tree."

and people on this board complain when the obvious unsophistication, unrivalled ignorance and glaring primitiveness of the lower order thai are commented on and ridiculed by the boards more astute members.

what a country. what a people. what a joke.

It is not entirely insignificant that the so-called higher levels of Thai society tolerate the idiocy and superstitions of the dross because " we are buddhists too ". In truth, they are all simpletons one drink away from savagery and there it is.

Very amusing photograph though, and a superb metaphor for Thailand and the Thai.