800 million trees to be planted to mark Thai queen’s birthday

BANGKOK, July 15 (TNA) - The Thai government plans to grow 800 million trees nationwide within five years to celebrate the 80th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, which falls on August 12. This was announced recently at a meeting of senior officials in Chiang Mai Province, chaired by Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, and the Prime Minister’s Office Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisarn. Officials say they aim to help recover the country’s forest grounds, which have dwindled over the past years nationwide. As for a starter, around 20 million trees will be grown first in upstream Northern provinces, starting this August 8. (TNA)