Thousands of mangroves planted for Queen Sirikit

PHUKET: Despite the rainy weather, thousands of mangrove trees were planted in Phuket this week in celebration of HM Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday on August 12.

The planting extravaganza was organized by the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command to honor Thailand’s beloved Queen Sirikit as well as to encourage people to rehabilitate and protect the environment.

More than 350 people – including Navy personnel, civil servants, local officials and students – jumped in to help plant the 2,000 trees in Soi Kamlaithong in Wichit.

“This sort of activity is very useful, especially in terms of cultivating consciousness among Thai people of the need to preserve nature,” said Rear Admiral Teansiri Montriwade, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command.

“Mangrove forests play a very important role in our environment. They provide habitats and sources of food for animals, help minimize the effects a natural disaster can have on an area and more.”

— Nichana Madsatool