Giant 60-Year-Old Tree Collapses at Doi Suthep Temple, Sparking Safety Concerns

A massive pine tree, estimated to be 60 years old, crashed to the ground near the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai on Tuesday morning. The giant tree fell right next to the main staircase, causing sudden panic among tourists and local workers. Miraculously, no one was hurt when the tree suddenly gave way. However, the heavy trunk smashed directly into a parked red songthaew (shared taxi), completely destroying the vehicle. The terrifying incident happened around 9:30 AM on September 14. The pine tree, planted in 1965, snapped and fell near the temple’s famous entrance archway. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crack just before the tree slammed onto the pavement. The massive impact sent branches flying and caused bystanders to run for their lives. Luckily, the falling tree narrowly missed busy food stalls and souvenir shops. The temple receives thousands of visitors daily, and it remains a stroke of incredible luck that no one was standing under the tree. Residents living near the temple had previously warned officials about this specific tree, noticing visible signs of decay in the trunk and asking park authorities to check its safety. Local officials had inspected the tree before but assured villagers there were no issues. This past safety check is now raising serious questions within the local community. The sudden tree collapse clearly proves the trunk was heavily rotted on the inside, serving as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers posed by aging trees in busy public areas. Many locals are now demanding better equipment to test the internal health of older trees, believing simple visual checks are insufficient to protect millions of annual tourists. Immediately after the crash, a large emergency team arrived to clear the debris. Workers from the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, along with local government staff and temple volunteers, used heavy chainsaws to cut the trunk and branches into smaller pieces. Their quick response allowed the temple area to reopen to tourists shortly after. Authorities are now planning a comprehensive safety sweep across the entire temple grounds to inspect every large tree and prevent future collapses. Tree experts will check for root rot, termite damage, and weak branches in the coming days, with the safety of daily visitors at this famous Chiang Mai landmark being their absolute top priority. Source: Chiang Rai Times