PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has removed a tamarind tree believed to be more than 100 years old from Walking Street after experts found severe internal decay that posed a risk to pedestrians and tourists.
Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Krisana Boonsawat, Walking Street Community chairman Sukhraj Kalra, city councilors and Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization representatives, led the operation with staff from the Environment Office. Two elevated work platforms and specialist equipment were used to remove the large tree, which had deteriorated despite continued care and maintenance by the city.
Manot said Pattaya had received complaints from residents and visitors about the tree’s condition. Inspections found that insects had damaged the trunk from within, leaving it hollow and severely weakened. Although the tree still appeared large and substantial from the outside, its internal structure had deteriorated considerably. With large numbers of pedestrians passing through the busy entertainment area, the risk of the tree collapsing and injuring someone could no longer be ignored.
A specialist in arboriculture had issued a written recommendation that the tree be removed to prevent a possible accident. Pattaya City said the decision followed consultation with the community chairman and consideration of local residents’ views.
The old tamarind tree was more than a century-old landmark. It held a special place in the memories of the Walking Street community, standing there long before the street became an internationally recognized tourist and entertainment destination. Its broad branches once provided shade for residents, visitors and nearby businesses, making it part of everyday life in the area. Over time, the tree deteriorated despite earlier pruning and maintenance. It eventually dried out and died, leaving a hollow trunk with brittle bark that regularly fell to the ground, creating a further hazard for pedestrians.
To preserve the area’s identity and its long association with mature tamarind trees, Pattaya City has agreed to plant a new tamarind tree in the same location. The replacement is expected to be completed within seven days. Although the old tree’s time has come to an end, the memories attached to it remain part of Walking Street’s history. Pattaya City said it would continue to balance public safety with the preservation of the area’s historical character and environment.
