Famous trees get protection

The minister of natural resources and the environment has issued new regulations to protect the century-old Yang Na trees which line the iconic Chiang Mai-Lamphun highway.

They include bans on construction work and any other activities which could negatively affect their roots or branches.

The ministerial notice has been published in the Royal Gazette and came into effect immediately after it was signed by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa yesterday.

The nine-kilometre stretch of Highway 106 has more than 900 Yang Na trees, many of which are over 150 years old.

The new rules allow only the government to authorise cutting or trimming the trees, and prohibit all potentially…