Change.org is indeed bringing changes

So far, close to 5,000 people have put their names down in support of the “Return Big Trees to the Road up to Khao Yai” campaign on www.change.org/replant. 

The online petition shows pictures of how the centuries-old trees on either side of the road that created a large “tree tunnel” have been reduced to mere stumps. 

The Department of Highways had 128 rare and well-preserved trees cut down in 2010 to make way for its road-expansion project. On May 16, the Central Administrative Court ordered the department to replant the trees along Thanarath Road. However, the agency is refusing to do so, claiming that the replanted trees would be weak and would be knocked over easily, making it dangerous for travellers. 

It was in response to this that Tara Buakamsri, director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, joined the People’s Network for the Protection of Khao Yai’s Bio-diversity to launch an online campaign on June 14. They plan to send the signatures to Department of Highways director-general Chatchawan Booncharoen-kit in two weeks.

Supporter Wisutthichart Khemglad wrote: “The road to Khao Yai used to be fresh and green. We could drive slowly and appreciate nature. I’m sorry that this is gone. When will we learn to develop and preserve nature at the same time?”

Not all campaigns need a huge number of signatures for change to be made. For instance, only 47 signatures were needed to save four 100-year-old rain trees in Bueng Kan province.

The campaign, started by Beung Kan Memory, read: “We, the people of Beung Kan, have succeeded in stopping great-grandmother trees from being torn down with the help of teachers and secondary-school students. The power of youth is really refreshing. 

“I hope the four rain trees, which are a symbol of Beung Kan, stand tall and long enough for our descendants to enjoy. It took generations for these four trees to grow to this height and have their branches span tens of metres, providing shadow for people. Other than giving shelter to birds, these trees are also home to ferns and orchids, thus promoting diversity.” 

In a mere year since it made its presence felt in Thailand, www.change.org has brought success to several campaigns, ranging from getting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to fix potholes on the streets to demanding that Transport Co stop playing violent and 18+ rated films on its buses. Even campaigns calling on restaurants to remove shark fin from their menu have met some success. 

Obviously, putting your name down for a good cause is a good way to make changes in society.