Eco-warrior Wichai Suriyuth dies at 77

Prolific conservationist Pol Sub Lt Wichai Suriyuth, who succeeded in his ambition to plant more than three million trees in his lifetime, died on Saturday night. He was 77.

His death was announced on Sunday by the “Tree for Dhamma” Facebook page, which said the former policeman — who gained fame from being featured in a conservation advertisement where he said he was taunted and ridiculed for setting a goal to plant more than three million trees — had died the night before.

Pol Sub Lt Wichai’s last words were to tell people not to be saddened by his death, Tree for Dhamma quoted his daughter Kritsadawan as saying.

“Do not get sad. Life has many other things in store for you.”

Phra Paisan Wisalo,…