June 10, 2022 at the west bank of Si Than Lake, Khon Kaen University held a forest growing activity. The first stage of the project is aimed at planting 50,000 trees, to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s Birthday. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University chaired the activity, which was joined by KKU administrators, deans and heads of the various departments, as well as other staff members and a lot of students.
Asst. Prof. Arwut Yimtae, Vice President for Infrastructure and Environment made a reporting speech to the President. The activity today was meant to be under the first phase of forest growing, which aimed at planting 50,000 trees. The event was also celebrating the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s Birthday. It was organized by the Infrastructure and Environmental Section and was aimed at restoring, maintaining, and adding green areas on campus, following the Great Place to Live Strategy and building of a Green Society.
“Two hundred Ratchaphruek seedlings are planted today in the deteriorating part of the campus. The event is organized by the Public Utility, Energy and Environment Division that prepared the zone in advance for the activity. The division staff made ready the soil for the trees planted today to grow well. Then we will have a new beautiful Ratchaphruek Park in Khon Kaen University,” said Vice President for Infrastructure and Environment.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University related that during his office, one thing he has had in mind is to plant trees to add to the green areas on campus. Today, the President is pleased to see staff members joining the activity. Ratchaphruek trees yield beautiful flowers, especially when they are grown in clusters. After this activity, the President invited people who pass by the lake for their various purposes or for exercising to help watering the trees in order that they will grow and bear flowers as we expect.
Ratchaphruek trees or ‘Ton Khoon’ bear yellow flowers that are Thai and Khon Kaen Province identity. The flowers bloom in beautiful bouquets from the end of March until the beginning of May every year. In addition, the tree is a favorable tree and used in important rituals. The University selected Ratchaphruek trees to plant today because they have good adaptation in all kinds of soils. The 2-year seedlings used today measure 2 inches in diameter, and are about the time they are strong enough to root down the soil and grow effectively. Two years from now, this group of Ratchaphruek trees, which are 6 meters from one another in the longitudinal rows, and with each row 4 meters apart, will start to bloom.
News: Udomchai Supannawong
Photos: Udomchai Supannawong and Natthawut Jaruwong
