A TOTAL of 583 turtles were freed into the sea off Phuket today, with the number signifying everyone's wish for HM The King to have good health from his birthday tomorrow through his 83rd year.
The turtles were mostly tiny, raised by the Royal Thai Navy at its Tablamu hatchling base in Phang Nga. About 100 children from neighboring schools on Phuket's Cape Panwa swelled the numbers to about 300 people at the Third Navy's Phuket base.
The children seemed to especially enjoyed the release.
A couple of larger turtles, one aged four and the other aged two, were released with electronic chips attached so their progress can be tracked.
Today's release followed the release yesterday of two million banana prawns and 50,000 blue swimming crabs off Mudong Pier in Wichit.
All the releases are made in the hope of reinvigorating the once-spectacular marine life in the waters around Phuket.
While several organisations and resorts have been active in turtle releases, continuing development and the trend to beach clubs and loud party music at night means turtles are unlikely to ever return to deposit eggs on the island.
Greater hope exists for the beaches of Phang Nga and outlying islands, where turtles have survived with the help of the Navy and other organisations, and where there is less development and seaside noise.
Phuketwan Update The fleet of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta marks HM The King's birthday on Saturday, December 5, with a traditional sailpast salute, just one of many events in celebration on the island. HM The King is due to make a televised appearance in public in Bangkok about 10.30am, his first appearance in public since September 19.
APART FROM a tremendously exciting pro race, race organisers also anticipate one of the largest fields ever on Sunday December 6 at the 2009 Laguna Phuket Triathlon. This year is the fifth consecutive year that entries to the individual race have sold-out, with 900 individuals, 50 relay teams (150 competitors), and an expected 300 people taking part in the 6k Fun Run.
'Greater Phuket' Wins a Hidden Pleasure ResortThe turtles were mostly tiny, raised by the Royal Thai Navy at its Tablamu hatchling base in Phang Nga. About 100 children from neighboring schools on Phuket's Cape Panwa swelled the numbers to about 300 people at the Third Navy's Phuket base.
The children seemed to especially enjoyed the release.
A couple of larger turtles, one aged four and the other aged two, were released with electronic chips attached so their progress can be tracked.
Today's release followed the release yesterday of two million banana prawns and 50,000 blue swimming crabs off Mudong Pier in Wichit.
All the releases are made in the hope of reinvigorating the once-spectacular marine life in the waters around Phuket.
While several organisations and resorts have been active in turtle releases, continuing development and the trend to beach clubs and loud party music at night means turtles are unlikely to ever return to deposit eggs on the island.
Greater hope exists for the beaches of Phang Nga and outlying islands, where turtles have survived with the help of the Navy and other organisations, and where there is less development and seaside noise.
Phuketwan Update The fleet of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta marks HM The King's birthday on Saturday, December 5, with a traditional sailpast salute, just one of many events in celebration on the island. HM The King is due to make a televised appearance in public in Bangkok about 10.30am, his first appearance in public since September 19.
APART FROM a tremendously exciting pro race, race organisers also anticipate one of the largest fields ever on Sunday December 6 at the 2009 Laguna Phuket Triathlon. This year is the fifth consecutive year that entries to the individual race have sold-out, with 900 individuals, 50 relay teams (150 competitors), and an expected 300 people taking part in the 6k Fun Run.
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'Greater Phuket' Wins a Hidden Pleasure Resort
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V-Day For a Phuket Success That Isn't Open Yet
