7th Mai Khao Turtle Release Set for Songkran Festival Celebration

At JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Assuring Mai Khao’s Ecological Future

Phuket, Thailand – The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, in collaboration with The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners, will be hosting the 7th annual Mai Khao Turtle Release, which is scheduled during the Songkran Festival on April 13, 2015 from 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm. The Phuket Governor will be a guest of honour and be part of this Thai New Year celebration. Furthermore, the Mai Khao Turtle Foundation also has organized the exclusive Turtle release programs on April 15 and 16 from 9 am – 10 am together with IUCN for this year. The event is supported by the Phuket Marine Biological Center and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Taking place on the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s beachfront, the 7th Mai Khao Turtle Release will see a new batch of rehabilitated green turtles introduced their natural life in the Andaman Sea, where they belong. Sea turtles represent longevity in Thai culture and releasing animals to nature is believed to bring good luck to the participant.

Phuket residents and hotel guests are invited to join what promises to be a fun, family-oriented and inspirational experience. In doing so they will be helping to protect the area’s endangered turtle population. Every THB 5,000 raised through donations and additional money raised during the event will go towards supporting the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners: the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s injured Turtle Rehabilitation Program and the Third Naval Area Command’s Turtle Hatchery Program.

“The annual Mai Khao Turtle Release is symbolic of the magnificent work being done by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and all parties involved, in preserving the beautiful natural environment we have here”, said JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s General Manager Oriol Montal.

For those planning to spend a few enjoyable nights at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in conjunction with the events on April 13th, 15th and 16th, the resort is offering the Remarkable Songkran Getaway with Sea Turtles Release package. Starting from THB 8,200+++ per room per night and valid for stays between April 12 and 16, it includes:

• Accommodation in a Deluxe Sala Garden View Room
• Daily buffet breakfast for 2 people
• THB 5,000 donation fee to release a turtle, 1 turtle per room (On specific released dates above and first-come first-serve)
• Free entry to the Marine Turtle Shelter & Education Center
• Complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Terrace Room (subject to availability)

Minimum stay 3 nights is required and other terms and conditions may apply.

Reservations
The promotional code P50 appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation.
Book now at [email protected] or contact jwmarriottphuketresort.com or Tel: +66 76 338 000 Fax: +66 76 348 348.

For more information about the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, please contact Mr. Sean Panton, Co-Chairman & Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Marriott Thailand Business Council,
email [email protected] or Khun Kittipan, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation Manager, via email [email protected] or call 076 338 000 ext. 3383