CHONBURI - Hundreds of people gathered at a beach on Wednesday to release 1,066 turtles into the sea as part of celebrations to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun on Friday.
The King's July 28 birthday was announced by the government as a public holiday this year.
Celebrations were expected to include merit-making ceremonies at temples across the country and a mass alms-giving event for more than 600 monks at Larn Khon Muang, the square in front of City Hall, on Friday.
At the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in Chonburi's Sattahip district, men and women from the Royal Thai Navy, students and celebrities released the 1,066 turtles into the sea.
The number 1,066 was chosen to symbolise the number 10 for King Rama X, as His Majesty is known, and the number 66, one more than his age, to wish the King's longevity.
"The main event today is the release of the turtles, which also symbolises longevity," said Athichanan Srisevok, an actress and nature advocate.
"I want to wish long live His Majesty and for him to be healthy."
Some attendees waved white flags bearing the words "Long Live the King".
Thais believe that releasing captive animals is one way of gaining good karma.
The turtles released on Wednesday were raised from eggs collected by the navy from nearby Koh Kram island. Some of those released were as young as a week old.
His Majesty inherited the throne in December after King Bhumibol Adulyade passed away on Oct 13.
