Chiang Mai people will fight to the end for Doi Suthep
Those who criticise the citizens of Chiang Mai for having waited until the controversial court housing project was 98 per cent finished before coming out in protest are totally unwitting of the facts.
This project has been kept surreptitious throughout its construction phase. And as we all know, land that belongs to the military is off-limits for ordinary citizens.
Also, regrettably, we the people of Chiang Mai have put our trust in previous, democratically elected governments to safeguard our interests as they were supposed to.
Now, we are utterly disappointed at the damage they have done to our city.
Legal rights to this land notwithstanding, the location of this project is on the boundary of the Doi Suthep-Pui Sanctuary, which is also home to the revered Doi Suthep Temple as well as the beautiful and venerated Bhubing Royal Palace. And most importantly, this sanctuary serves as the lungs of Chiang Mai City.
If this project is allowed to continue without any hindrance, similar projects will mushroom in the same manner until the overall Doi Suthep-Pui Sanctuary is destroyed beyond redemption.
Hence, since Doi Suthep is our lifeline, we will fight to the end and in every way possible, in order to protect it.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Chiang Mai
