Specialists employ a helicopter in an unsuccessful attempt to move the tree.
 -- Photo Sulin Phetthany


A mission to recue an ancient manikhoth tree from the Khonphapheng Falls in Champassak province using army helicopters has proved unsuccessful due to uncertainties regarding the submerged section of the large tree, much to the disappointment of the assembled crowd.


Fifteen specialists from Vientiane who were assigned to save the tree were unsure how the helicopters would react when they attempted the lift, as the river had risen and only two metres of the trunk remained exposed on the rock, while a much larger part was submerged in the strong river current.

An official from the Champassak provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Sivone Vankhonevilay, who was in charge of the committee set up to rescue the tree, said the specialists were afraid that the submerged section would get stuck in the rocks, so they decided to take the safer option of securing the tree to others on the riverbank.

When the river is at its lowest level in March next year they will attempt to retrieve the tree in safer conditions.



“They told us that unexpected things could occur with their operation because they could not predict what would happen with the part of the tree that was submerged,” Mr Sivone said.

The decision was taken to land two specialists on the rock where the tree stood and secure slings to other large trees on the riverbank nearby. They are confident the tree will not be swept away when the river rises even though the current is getting stronger all the time.

A huge crowd appeared to watch the spectacle, as army personnel attempted to use two army helicopters to move the tree to the riverbank after it toppled over in March.

The tree, which is perched precariously on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the river between Thakhor and Phapheng villages attracted bystanders to the area to support the team but unfortunately they will have to wait until next year. The department has decided to resc ue it on March 19, one year on from the day it fell over.

Mr Sivone explained they were not dragging the chain when it came to organising the rescue attempt, saying they had to be careful to consult with local villagers because the tree had been part of their life for such a long time that the decision was partly up to them.

“The tree has a long history and is significant for local beliefs so we couldn't decide immediately on our own after the tree fell. Apart from the decision by the ministry, we have to ask people in the area whether they agree or disagree,” he said, adding that most people were satisfied with the decision to move the tree to the riverbank.

The manikhoth features as a holy tree in the ancient Sanskrit epic of Phra Lak-Phra Lam, or Ramayana. A manikhoth tree has three limbs. According to legend, fruit eaten from the first limb will bring eternal youth and long life, the second will bring great power and status, while fruit eaten from the third limb, pointing to the west, brings bad luck – and the eater will turn into a monkey.

The history of this tree is unknown but locals say it has been there since they were born.

Many people insist it has been standing for at least 200 years since the era of the Lane Xang Kingdom. Sadly the tree's longstanding prominence came to an end one wet and windy night.

VIentianetimes