New fossil book honours king on 72nd birthday

Seventy-two samples from 56 species on the National Registered Fossils list will be featured in a new book honouring His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn on his 72nd birthday on July 28.

The Department of Mineral Resources curated this selection to showcase Thailand’s diverse and significant paleontological heritage. The book will showcase reptiles, mammals, and fish, with 23 species of reptiles represented by 39 samples, 21 species of mammals in 21 samples, and 12 species of fish in 12 samples.

Thalerngsak Petchsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, mentioned that the book will be available in both Thai and English. This bilingual approach aims to spread knowledge about fossils and royal activities to a broader audience.

“The book will disseminate information about fossils as well as royal activities to the public.”

Thailand’s journey in fossil research began in 1899, leading to the enactment of the Fossil Protection Act in 2008. This legislation was put in place to safeguard and preserve the nation’s geological heritage.

Currently, 93 species, encompassing 505 fossil samples, have been registered. Of these, 56 species, represented by 189 samples, have been designated as National Registered Fossils. These are considered rare and hold significant national value, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Bank of Thailand has released a stunning series of commemorative banknotes, igniting a frenzy among collectors and royal enthusiasts. These special 100-baht notes are designed to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, marking his 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28.

Available from July 23, these exclusive notes are already creating waves. Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput announced today that these banknotes break from tradition with a unique portrait layout, a first for Thai currency which typically features a landscape design.

In other news, the governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan led a sacred water collection ceremony at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong, Bang Saphan, in honour of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s upcoming 72nd birthday celebration.