Mangroves planted in Phuket to honor HM The Queen

PA KHLOK, PHUKET: More than 200 villagers took part in a mangrove planting ceremony in Phuket yesterday to mark the birthday of HM Queen Sirikit.

The event was organized by the Pa Khlok Tambon Administration Organization and presided over by its president, Atipong Kongnam.

Also taking part were students from the Weerasatri Anusorn Primary School, Phuket Panyanukul School for special needs students and a local housewives’ association.

The planting of more than 1,000 mangrove saplings took place along a small creek south of the Phuket Home for the Elderly, extended about one kilometer inland along its banks.

Mr Atipong said the event was also intended to raise public awareness of the need to preserve the island’s mangrove forests for future generations.

Similar events are conducted almost every month, but the larger ceremony was held out of the community’s deep respect for HM Queen Sirikit, he said.

“Our community is very strong and everyone got behind this activity,” he said.

— Kitima Pornmongkhonwat