Phuket volunteers replant vandalized mangrove saplings to re-honor HM Queen Sirikit

PHUKET: In a joint effort to repair the work of vandals, Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa led 200 volunteers in planting mangrove saplings in the Klong Mudong area of Chalong yesterday.

Some of the 24,000 mangrove saplings planted in the area last May 17 in honor of HM Queen Sirikit were destroyed on the night of July 11 by a group that also destroyed a sign honoring her majesty, said Chief of the Natural Resources and Environment Office Kasem Sukwaree.

“We have no suspects right now,” said Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Chalong police.

An officer of the Natural Resources and Environment Office noted that the mangroves planted in May on the beach would have caused landowners in the area to lose use of the beach.

As V/Gov Sommai led students from Darasamuth school and staff from Triumph International in planting saplings over 47 rai of land, she focused on the environmental importance of the mangrove swamps.

“They are the kindergartens of the sea, a place where young marine life is protected. We need to protect them,” she said.

— Saran Mitrarat