Turtles freed for king’s birthday

HUNDREDS of Thai schoolchildren and naval officers sent 1 066 turtles scuttling into the sea yesterday in a ceremony aimed at bringing good fortune to the new King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who turns 65 tomorrow.

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 like turtles or birds as accruing good karma.

Eagarat Promlumpug, an officer who helps run the navy’s turtle conservation programme, said: “Sea turtles are long-living animals.

“If we release them, it will help His Majesty have a long life too.”

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 centre collects thousands of turtle eggs each year and nurtures the reptiles before releasing them in the Gulf of Thailand. Royal birthdays are met with a flurry of fanfare and religious 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.

His father Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last October, was worshipped as a near demigod during his 70-year reign.

Vajiralongkorn has yet to attract that level of devotion.