PM launches tree planting project in Ratchaburi

RATCHABURI, May 23 (TNA) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the tree planting project 2018 in Ratchaburi, as the government encourages people in all 77 provinces to grow trees on the National Tree Day. The premier travelled to the learning center for rehabilitation of deteriorated land in Khao Cha-ngum, Ratchaburi province. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Ministers Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and Gen Chatchai Sarikulya, Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Gen Surasak Karnjanarat. Gen Prayut handed over land documents and Gurjan saplings to representatives of local communities and planted a yellow star tree, the royal tree of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Cabinet members and heads of local government offices planted Pink Cassia trees, the symbol of Ractchaburi province. Tree planting activities are scheduled across the country on May 29, observed as the National Tree Day to commemorate the royal initiatives of HM late King Bhumibol and HM Queen Sirikit to preserve forest and to raise awareness among people to plant trees. It is also in accordance with the national reforestation policy to increase forest areas to 55 per cent of the country. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment prepares 54.8 million tree saplings for distribution to public members, so they can grow them all over the country. (TNA)