RELEASE OF TURTLES TO THE ANDAMAN SEA

The Mai Khao Marine Turtles Foundation invites interested persons to celebrate the Thai New Year by releasing turtles into the sea during the 9th annual “Mai Khao Marine Turtles Release Ceremony”. It will take place at the beachfront of JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa on April 13 from 2.30- 4.30pm.

The ceremony will see 55 batches of rehabilitated green turtles introduced to their natural habitat in the Andaman Sea, where they belong. Sea turtles represent longevity in Thai culture and releasing animals to nature is believed to bring good luck to the participant.

Phuket residents and hotel guests are encouraged to join in what promises to be a fun, family- oriented and inspirational experience. In doing so they will be helping to protect the area’s endangered turtle population. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and Kanokkritika Kritwuttikorn, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Phuket Office, will be among the guests of honour.

Every 5,000 baht raised through donations and additional money raised during the event will go towards supporting the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners — the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s injured Turtle Rehabilitation Program and the Third Naval Area Command’s Turtle Hatchery Program.

The foundation will also organise an exclusive turtle release programme on April 15 from 9-10am. Supported by the Phuket Marine Biological Center and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the session will offer a turtle training and certificate of release.

Visit facebook. com/ maikhao marine turtle foundation, email info@ maikhaomarinetur tlefoundation.org or call 076338- 040 ext 3309.