An alarming number of trees have already been cut down in the area. It is believed the cleared land is slated to be turned into a theme elephant park - as proposed by the previous government - as part of the mega-projects planned for the northern city.

While there is no information forthcoming from the authorities, the villagers believe the park will come under the administration of the nearby Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Residents in Tambon Mae Hia and Tambon Nong Kwai have discovered that the project plans on bringing 200 elephants to live in the area, and a projected 12 kilometres of "tree lines" are to be felled to accommodate

them.

Many residents, forest preservation groups, NGO reporters and the Pakee Hug Chiang Mai group held a meeting about the effects of the project this week.

They concluded the project would greatly affect villagers' lives and damage the local ecosystem, especially with the already desperate problems concerning water.

The Royal Flora Ratchaphreuk expo site and Night Safari have already come under fire from local residents for their use of water in the area, and villagers fear they may be forced to move.

When the villagers recently asked officials from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park about the invaded forest line, they were told that the line was a "fire line" and that "they should not worry".

However, recent activities in the area, with officials making measurements and surveying the land, combined with the lack of any information from the authorities, have left the locals confused and angry.

Jirat Prasertsup

Citylife

CHIANG MAI