Thais free 1,066 turtles to celebrate King’s birthday
Thai schoolchildren place sea turtles on the beach to be released into the Gulf of Thailand during the annual turtle conservation release event at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Sattahip on Wednesday.
Hundreds of Thai schoolchildren and naval officers sent 1,066 turtles scuttling into the sea on Wednesday in a ceremony aimed at bringing good fortune to the new King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who turns 65 on Friday.The sea turtles, seen as symbols of longevity, waddled into the waves off Sattahip naval base in Chonburi province.
Many Thai Buddhists view freeing captive animals such as turtles or birds as a way to accrue good karma.
“Sea turtles are long- living animals. If we release them, it will help His Majesty to have a long life too,” said Eagarat Promlumpug, turtle conservation program.
The number of freed turtles is seen as auspicious, with the ‘ 66’— one more year than the king’s age—representing the wish for his longevity.
The center collects thousands of turtle eggs annually and nurtures the reptiles before releasing them into the Gulf of Thailand.
Royal birthdays are met with ceremonies in Thailand, where the monarchy is seen a pillar of moral authority.
Vajiralongkorn’s birthday, July 28, was declared a public holiday by the ruling junta after he took the throne late last year.