The man who pushed a handcart all the way from Trang to scatter his wife's ashes on Doi Inthanon has now been told it is not allowed - and neither are his animal companions of the road.
Doi Inthanon park chief Roong Hiranwong said on Friday that Sakchai Suphanthamat is welcome, but rules are rules and must be strictly enforced. And scattering of ashes within the park is definitely against regulations.
And so are his pets - two dogs who adopted the traveller along the way, and a black kitten.
- Earlier report: Vow kept, as walker nears mountain with wife's urn
The park chief said the mountain in Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai is highly revered by worshippers, who pay homage to the great holy relic pagodas of Phramahathat Napamathanidol and Phramahathat Napaphol Bhumisiri, built for the late King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, Chiang Mai News reported.
Allowing Mr Sakchai to scatter the cremated remains of his wife, Saifon Singsanan, could result in damage to the environment and would encourage others to follow suit, he added.
The park would, however, help him by taking care of his two dogs -- Krachao and Namo -- and the cat, whose name is unknown, Mr Roong said. Mr Sakchai would be exempted from entry fees and would be provided with free guest accommodation.
The dogs and cat were found on the roadside as Mr Sakchai, now 49, pushed his cart with his wife's urn from Trang to Doi Inthanon. His epic journey started in January last year, and he and his companions entered Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai on Thursday evening.
Mr Sakchai has been on the road for one year and seven months, a journey of 1,500 kilometres on foot. (continues)
Sakchai Suphanthamat walks towards a turnoff to Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai on Friday morning. (Video from @chomthongchiangmai Facebook account)
Mr Sakchai was approaching the park entrance on Friday afternoon.
An administrator of the Chom Thong district Facebook account, which is following his journey, cheered him on, saying that by taking the cremated remains to the top of the mountain he was already fulfilling the promise made to his wife many years ago when she was still alive.
Comments on the post also praised the park chief for his strict enforcement of the rules, even though Mr Sakchai was in the headlines.
"You've made the right decision. I totally agree," one commenter wrote.
