The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation based in the north of Phuket had it’s 4th annual release of 100 turtles on the 29th of March this year. Scuba Cat decided to support this by sponsoring a release of a turtle back into the Andaman Sea. The important annual event is organized to raise funds for and awareness of the plight of Phuket’s critically endangered sea turtles and is supported by the Phuket Marine Biological Center and the Royal Thai Navy, the event sees the release of rehabilitated green turtles back into the Andaman Sea.

Sarah Kench, the GM and Course Director, Kath Ridley the tour leader of Scuba Adventure and Debbie Woods The Customer Service manager all went along to support the event held on the beach at Mai Khao, along with Jade, Debbie’s 1 year old daughter.

There were activities such as batik painting and turtle awareness going on throughout the afternoon along with light refreshments and a monks blessing for the new to be released green turtles.

After waiting to queuing in a busy registration Scuba Cat were allocated number 73 for release, this was a 10 month old green turtle, Sarah was the one elected to release it.

After some training we were called to beach in groups of 5, this allowed the turtles enough space to comfortably be released without big crowds around them which could cause stress. They were taken from holding tanks to the water edge and set free, the waves then helped them out to sea.

Phuket’s sea turtles face multiple threats and their numbers have severely depleted in recent years. Commercial fishing kills thousands of them every year. Many more die from eating or becoming trapped in plastic debris littering the ocean, not to mention entanglement in fishing nets and being hit by speedboats.

Every 2,500 baht raised pays for the rehabilitation of one turtle and its release back into the Andaman Sea. The work done by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation (founded by JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa), the Injured Turtle Rehabilitation Program (under the Phuket Marine Biological Center) and the Turtle Hatchery Program (under the Royal Thai Navy) is possible thanks to ongoing financial support from the Phuket community.

Phuket’s sea turtles are facing multiple threats and their numbers have severely depleted in recent years. Commercial fishing kills thousands of them every year. Many more die from eating or becoming trapped in plastic debris littering the ocean.

Mai Khao beach and the northern end of the adjacent Nai Yang beach are the only beaches where turtles lay their eggs in Phuket . These two locations have a long natural deserted beach stretching more than 17km. They form part of the Sirinath National Park, which is a protected marine and coastal area.

This is a nesting area of the giant Leatherback Turtle, one of the world’s most ancient species. These turtles on average weigh 450 kg. However, the Leatherback population is fast diminishing and its status is very critical. It is the only turtle without a true protective shell, though its outer protection is leathery scale-less skin – hence its name.

The breeding season of the turtles is November to March. The females come ashore just after dusk and return to the ocean as dawn breaks. The nesting site is selected and they dig a small pit using the rear flippers where they lay between 40 and 180 eggs, they try to conceal the nest once they finished by covering it with sand. The whole process takes about 1 hour. If left to nature the hatchlings will emerge after about 60 days digging their way out of the pit , usually at night so it is cooler and run towards the sea. House lights and hotel developments along the beach can disoriented the young turtles causing them to actually crawl the wrong way going away from the sea. Some large Phuket resorts have focused their attention on ensuring that turtles stand a chance of survival in the Phuket region by making the beach area environmentally friendly to the nesting turtles.

At nesting time environment groups and the local villagers of Mai Khao work very hard to protect the eggs. They take the eggs to their hatchery, where the baby turtles are protected from the vagaries of nature as well as human exploitation. During the breeding season, the local villagers patrol the beaches at night and keep records of the eggs that have been laid.

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation was launched in 2002 and raises funds and awareness for the plight of the critically endangered giant leatherback turtles that nest in the area. It also co-ordinates with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC).

Phuket has a long tradition of festivals and many have now become world renowned with tourists planning their holidays around these events. Here are a few of the many festivals that can be enjoyed by all.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year falls within the month of January or February. The date changes on a yearly basis as it is depicted by the track changes of the moon. The celebrations are in Phuket Town and last for 2 days, where there are lively multicoloured dragon processions, traditional music and dance. There are also many firecrackers. Throughout Phuket Town Chinese houses are decorated. The living room of each house will have a vase of flowers, platters of oranges and tangerines and a tray of 8 varieties of dried sweet fruit. Entrances of shops and houses are festooned in red banners and decorations to encourage good luck and happiness for the coming year. Red is the colour that symbolizes happiness and it should be worn for a sunny bright future. It is said that appearance and attitude during the New Year sets the tone for the rest of the year. Traditionally, children, unmarried friends and close relatives are given “lai see” which are little red envelopes with money inside to wish good fortune. Food is also an important factor during the New Year celebrations. It is considered that tofu and bean curd are unlucky, so they are avoided. Oranges and tangerines are symbols of abundant happiness and should be taken as a gift if you visit friends or family. It will also ensure a long lasting relationship with the person you are visiting.

THAO THEP KRASATRI AND THAO SRI SUNTORN FESTIVAL 13^th MARCH

This festival is in memory of the two sisters Khunying Muk and Khunying Chan who led the defense of the Island against the Burmese in 1785. The celebrations include fun fairs and stage performances throughout the week.  There are a variety of food stalls offering mouth watering delights.  The sisters were bestowed the titles of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon by King Rama 1. A statue of the sisters was erected at a crossroads near the centre of the Island in recognition of their invaluable service to the country.

TURTLE RELEASE FAIR 13^th APRIL

This festival coincides with Songkran.  Turtles, both Hawksbill and Green are bred in captivity at the Phuket Aquarium. Once the turtles are mature enough they are released into the sea. The ceremonies are held at Cape Phanwa, Nai-Yang and Mai Khao beaches. The release of the turtles is a program that has been put into place to help preserve the turtle population.

SONGKRAN 13^th to 15^th April

Songkran has without a doubt become one of the major tourist attractions, however it is one of the most important of Thai festivals. Traditionally Songkran is a time for visiting family and paying respect to elders including family members, friends, neighbours and monks. It is also a time of cleansing and renewal.  Homes are often given a thorough cleaning. More importantly, it is an opportunity to clean Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at Temples. This is done by pouring water mixed with Thai fragrance gently over the images. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming New Year. The throwing of water is believed to originate as a way to pay respect to people. The “blessed” water that had been poured over the Buddha images is captured and is then gently poured onto the shoulder .

The Songkran festival has evolved into a huge water fight with the emphasis being on fun rather than the spiritual and religious aspects.  People in the streets are doused with ice cold water, which is quiet welcoming as this festival is at the hottest time of the year with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees!!

CHAO LE BOAT FLOATING FESTIVAL

This festival is performed bi-annually in May and October at the Sea Gypsy villages in Phuket. Small decorated boats are made which are set adrift by the villagers at night. Prior to the boats being launched into the sea the villagers place small wooden dolls, nail clippings and strands of hair inside. The gypsies also perform the Ram Rong Ngeng, a local dance, around their boats. It is said that this ritual drives away evil spirits and brings good luck. This festival is not attended by many tourists, so it does retain the rustic Thai ambience.

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

The Vegetarian festival is an annual event that takes place in Phuket Town during the 9^th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, so it normally falls late September to early October. The festival began in Kathu in 1825. This district at the time housed most of the migrant Chinese tin miners. There were so many that Chinese, performers came from China to entertain the population. However, during the 9^th lunar month Phuket was hit by a fatal epidemic and many lives were lost. After a while it was realized that during the first 9 days of the month no one had paid homage to the 9 Emperor Gods (Kiu Ong lah). A Chinese performer returned to China and invited the Kiu Ong lah to Phuket. During the next year the Phuket Chinese refrained from eating meat, drinking alcohol, sex, quarreling, telling lies and killing. The epidemic stopped and since that day a yearly celebration has taken place.

The Chinese population of Phuket will always wear white during the 10day festival and they will follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. It is also a time where sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese Temples and Shrines. One of the highlights of the festival is where people possessed by the Gods parade with various piercings on the body with sharp implements. The participants appear to have no pain or signs of injury. There are also aesthetic displays where people walk over hot coals barefoot and climb ascending ladders with bladed rungs. These entranced devotees are known as “Ma Song”.

PATONG CARNIVAL

Patong Carnival is an annual event at the beginning of November. This 3 day event marks the beginning of high season and offers a range of activities and street parades. The Beach Road is fringed with food and beverage stalls. This gives tourists and locals a chance to sample a variety of fine cuisine from the various regions of Thailand. There are also a many stalls selling local products which are unique to Thailand.

LOY KRATHONG

Loy Krathong is the most picturesque and beautiful of all the Thai festivals. It is celebrated every November on the evening of the first full moon. This beautiful festival is a festival of lights. Loy means to float and Krathong means leaf cup or bowl. The stunning floats are made of cellulose banana tree trunks and are decorated with flowers, banana leaves, candles, 3 incense sticks and coins. Once the candles and incense sticks are lit a wish should be made before letting the float drift away in the current of the sea, river or canal. It is considered that the flame is longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. It is also considered to be a romantic night for couples and it is believed that couples who make a wish together are thought to stay together forever.

There are different legends surrounding the origins of this festival. The most popular version is that it is an expression of gratitude to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Kongka for providing the people with water for their livelihood.  Some others believe that it originates from Buddhism and that the offering of the krathong is a tribute of respect to the footprint of Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Narmaha River in India, as well as to the Great Serpent and dwellers of the underwater realm. The final thought is that it is possibly derived from a Hindu festival that pays tribute to the God Vishnu, who meditates at the centre of the ocean. It is believed that the young Queen Nang Noppamas began the tradition in Sukhothai in the 13^th Century. It is an exquisite festival and should not be missed.

PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA

Phuket over the years has become a major venue for the sailing fraternity. The King’s Cup has become Asia’s largest and most popular regatta with the event being held during the first week of December. It was started in 1987 to celebrate the King of Thailand’s 60^th birthday. The event is organized by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in conjunction with Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, The Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket .It has continued to grow on a yearly basis and offers racing of many classes of boats, enabling sailors of all vessels to enjoy the regatta.