Arborists are rushing to treat the wounds of a Yang Na tree, the city marker tree of Chiang Mai. Local residents are fearful of bad omens after a branch broke and fell on Phaya Day. A Lanna scholar recommended performing a ritual to apologize to the tree spirit for peace of mind.
The latest update on the incident involving a large Yang Na tree over 226 years old, recognized as a 'city marker tree' with historical value in Chiang Mai province, located within Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan in Mueang Chiang Mai district. A branch broke and fell, damaging a high-voltage power pole, in the evening of 16 April 2026. After the incident, Chiang Mai Municipality mobilized staff to remove some of the fallen branches from the area.
Today (17 April 2026), arborists have been urgently pruning and treating the wound on the Yang Na tree. They found a large cavity inside the trunk with signs of decay caused by rainwater seeping in and accumulating over a long period. This decay weakened the tree, making it unable to support the heavy branch measuring about 50 centimeters in diameter, which then broke off.
Today, arborists will continue treating the wound and fill the cavity to prevent further water infiltration and decay, especially with the rainy season approaching. Meanwhile, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Municipality, and tree experts will collaborate to find ways to prevent further breakage and protect important structures within the temple, such as the Phra In Hall, Thao Wessuwan, and the Inthakhin Shrine, which houses Chiang Mai's city pillar. They will also work to conserve this Yang Na tree, the city marker tree.
This afternoon, Mr. Siwa Thamikanon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, and Mr. Sunthorn Yamsiri, Deputy Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality, visited the site to monitor progress on clearing the area. The pruning and clearing work is expected to be completed today.
The Yang Na city marker trees were originally three in number, planted by King Kawila, the ruler of Chiang Mai, in 1796 to mark the founding of the new city alongside the Inthakhin city pillar. They symbolized the city center, marked territorial boundaries, and were believed to be the dwelling place of protective sacred spirits. Currently, only this one tree remains, regarded as a historically valuable tree of Chiang Mai province.
The incident happened on Phaya Day, the first day of the Chula Sakarat year 1388, causing concern among many who feared it was a bad omen. Mr. Wallop Namwongprom, an expert from the Chiang Mai Cultural Council, commented that naturally, it is normal for a tree over 200 years old to decay with age. However, some believe that incidents involving the city marker tree are signs of misfortune since the tree is inhabited by a tree spirit and a guardian giant. He suggested performing a ritual to apologize to the tree spirit for peace of mind, which is harmless and can be done.