#Treeordination

In Thailand, forests are shrinking. Yet a faith-driven conservation movement is growing, led by Buddhist monks in saffron robes who perform tree ordination ceremonies. The goal is to treat certain trees as protectors of the forest, fostering local pride and collective action against logging and development.

The practice, known locally as buat ton mai, illustrates how religion and ecology intersect in Southeast Asia. As deforestation alters rivers and wildlife habitats, communities view these rituals as both devotion and environmental advocacy. The ceremonies empower residents to defend ecologically important sites and encourage broader conservation efforts.