Baby Leatherback Turtles to Be Released into the Andaman Sea at Thai Mueang Beach

Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park has invited residents and visitors of Phang Nga Province to take part in another sea turtle release event on August 18. This time, hatchlings from the sixth nest laid by the leatherback turtle known as Namo will make their first journey into the Andaman Sea.

The ceremony will take place on Thai Mueang Beach and is expected to coincide with sunset. However, participants are encouraged to arrive earlier, as registration at the national park headquarters will begin at 4:00 p.m.

The highlight of the event will be the release of the newly hatched leatherback turtles. Visitors will not be allowed to handle the animals directly. Instead, park rangers will oversee the process, while five attendees will be selected by lottery to assist the conservation team during the release.

In addition to the turtle release, the programme will include a volunteer beach clean-up, educational presentations about sea turtle conservation, and exhibitions demonstrating how park staff monitor nests and help hatchlings safely reach the ocean.

The event forms part of a leatherback turtle conservation initiative dedicated to Queen Mother Sirikit, whose birthday was celebrated nationwide on August 12.

This is not the first turtle release of the season for the national park. On July 24, dozens of hatchlings from Namo’s third nest were released into the sea. Since then, additional nests have successfully hatched.

The leatherback turtle is the largest living species of sea turtle. Adult animals can weigh several hundred kilograms, while newborn hatchlings are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.

Thai Mueang Beach remains one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles along Thailand’s Andaman coast. National park officials regularly patrol the shoreline, monitor nesting activity, protect eggs when necessary, and supervise the safe release of hatchlings into the sea.