Bangkok: In a concerted effort to increase its urban greenery, Bangkok has launched an initiative to plant new trees, preserve existing ones, and identify heritage trees across the city. Mr. Pornprom Nawikitseth, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, led the event, "Increasing Green Spaces and Searching for Bangkok's Heritage Trees," held at Chulalongkorn University Plaza, Benjakitti Park, Khlong Toei District. The initiative involves the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) along with the Big Trees group, Rak Mai Yai Foundation, and the media, aiming to develop Bangkok's green spaces by enhancing the value of existing trees rather than merely increasing their number. This involves surveying large, valuable trees for their environmental and ecosystem contributions and creating a comprehensive database covering trees in public parks and spaces.
According to Thai News Agency, the criteria for evaluating heritage trees are based on four main aspects: physical and biological characteristics, historical and cultural significance, rarity and botanical uniqueness, and ecological and historical value. Trees that meet these criteria are given stricter protection, requiring inspection and permission for any maintenance, with assessments by arborists to preserve their canopy and environmental value.
The BMA is currently refining the selection and registration criteria for heritage trees, incorporating expert feedback to ensure district-wide uniformity and reduce subjective decision-making. Following this, a detailed survey of trees will be conducted to integrate data into a central database for effective monitoring and long-term conservation. Citizens are encouraged to participate by submitting large trees on private properties for consideration. The BMA is also developing guidelines for tree health observation and establishing connections with arboriculture experts, supported by civil society and the BIG Trees Bangkok group.
Mr. Pornprom also highlighted Bangkok's ambitious goal of planting a total of four million trees. Having already achieved its first phase target with over 2.5 million trees, the city plans to plant an additional two million trees. The initial target was 100,000 trees within the first 100 days, and by mid-August 2026, half of this target had been reached. Alongside planting, Bangkok is advancing its tree management strategy to include systematic surveying, risk assessment, and tree care. With 36 professional arborists and four tree workers, the city aims to manage trees effectively while ensuring public safety. Furthermore, Bangkok has established six urban forest parks to offer large-scale green spaces for recreation, learning, and ecosystem preservation.