CCTV footage has captured the dramatic moment a massive branch from a centuries-old yang na tree at Wat Chedi Luang snapped and fell without warning on the evening of 16th April — Phaya Wan, the most auspicious day of the Songkran period. Seconds before the branch came down, a person had walked directly beneath it, a near-miss that could easily have ended in tragedy. No injuries or fatalities were reported, though the falling branch brought down a utility pole, caused damage to the surrounding area and sent a thunderous crash reheard around the neighbourhood.
Chiang Mai Municipality officials and relevant agencies responded swiftly, clearing the site and restoring it to normal condition. Arborists who inspected the tree found its main structure to be sound, but identified rotted branches requiring removal to expose and treat the interior. The temple has confirmed it will preserve the tree, which was planted alongside the city pillar during the reign of King Kawila and is considered inseparable from the city’s founding heritage. Safety assessments will continue in collaboration with municipal engineering, arborists, the Chiang Mai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and other agencies, and unsafe branches have already been pruned.
The temple grounds remain fully open to worshippers and tourists. Officials say no fencing-off of the area is necessary, and the temple has confirmed that the major Sai Khan Dok inthakin pillar worship ceremony, scheduled for 13th-19th May, will go ahead as planned.