They’d been barred from removing the tree because it was a protected Siamese rosewood.

They were thus unable to repair the damage caused when the tree was knocked over in a storm on April 29.

Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul on Monday said he had ordered his men to have the family in Yang Talad district filed a request with police to have the tree removed and to get on the job immediately on Sunday afternoon.

The family of Neungreuthai Sarapakdee in Tambon Hua Ngua would face legal action if they removed the tree themselves.

Srivara said the district superintendent had already arranged for the tree’s removal and for the timber to be given to forestry officials later.

The falling tree had severed electrical wires and left Neungreuthai, her husband and six-year-old grandson without power. Officials inspecting the damage warned not to cut up the tree because it was a protected species. The family has been living with relatives ever since.

Siamese rosewood is protected by the Forest Act 1941. Cutting down a tree without permission is punishable by 2-5 years in prison and/or a Bt10,000 fine.