Latest news with #MahaChakriSirindhorn
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Rare purple Sirindhorn crab spotted in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park; check pictures
Source: Facebook A rare purple crab species has been recently discovered in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park, astonishing both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. Officials hailed the sighting as a 'precious gift from nature', highlighting the crab's rarity and striking appearance. Known as the Sirindhorn Crab or 'Princess Crab,' this waterfall-dwelling species displays a remarkable combination of vivid purple and white coloration, making it one of the most extraordinary crustaceans documented in recent years. Belonging to the panda crab family, the purple variant is extremely uncommon, with few sightings recorded since the species was first documented. Beyond its visual appeal, the crab serves as an important indicator of ecosystem health, reflecting the pristine environmental conditions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rare purple crab highlighting Thailand's nature and culture The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation published a series of photos capturing the alien-like purple crabs in their natural habitat. Park rangers were the first to spot these elusive creatures, carefully documenting them for both scientific study and public awareness. Known locally as the 'King Crab' or Sirindhorn Crab, this rare waterfall crab is distinguished by its bright white and purple coloration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture What No One Should See Ohi Blog Undo Its unusual appearance has immediately drawn global attention, making it a symbol of the park's rich biodiversity. Source: Facebook The appearance of the Sirindhorn Crab is more than a wildlife spectacle—it is a critical ecological indicator. According to park officials, the crab's presence signals the health and stability of Kaeng Krachan National Park's ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its diverse flora and fauna. Protected species like this crab serve as benchmarks for forest and waterway quality. Their survival indicates that the park maintains clean water, unpolluted habitats, and balanced ecosystems, reinforcing the need for continued conservation efforts. Source: Facebook Sirindhorn crab is a rare purple crab named after Thai princess The Sirindhorn Crab is named in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and is affectionately called 'Princess'. This royal association not only highlights the crab's cultural significance but also emphasizes the importance of Thailand's natural heritage in scientific and public contexts. This species belongs to the panda crab family, which typically displays black-and-white markings. The purple variant is extremely rare, with few documented sightings. Some reports suggest that the species was first recorded at Ngao Waterfall National Park in 1986, while others indicate earlier observations. Despite belonging to a known crab family, little is understood about the purple variants, making their study crucial for both taxonomy and conservation science. Source: Facebook Understanding the purple hue of crab The violet coloration of the Sirindhorn Crab is thought to be an evolutionary occurrence without a specific functional purpose. According to Hendrik Freitag of the Senckenberg Museum of Zoology, the coloration likely serves as a visual recognition signal, but it does not have a defined ecological role. Such striking visual traits may have evolved randomly but serve as a distinctive marker that sets these crabs apart from other members of the panda crab family. Source: Facebook Global reactions and social media buzz The photos shared by the Thailand Park Department quickly went viral, capturing attention worldwide. Many described the crabs as stunning and magical, while some expressed disbelief at their unusual purple colouring. This discovery highlights not only the astonishing biodiversity of Thailand but also the importance of protected areas in preserving rare species. The sighting has sparked renewed interest in wildlife research, conservation, and ecological monitoring. Also Read | Jessica Radcliffe orca attack video confirmed as fake; attention turns to the Kiska the world's loneliest whale story - here's what you need to know
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Rare Purple ‘King Crab' Spotted In Thailand's World Heritage Forest
The sighting of an exclusive purple crab species in a viral post puzzled the internet after it was found at Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park. Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park has emerged as host to an exclusive crab species, sporting a vibrant purple colour, unlike any other crab in the world. A viral post left internet users stunned, containing images of the purple crab. According to a translation of the post on Facebook, the crabs were spotted by the park rangers, who also captured them in a series of eye-catching images. The park officials called it 'precious gift from nature", while also highlighting how rare the species is. 'Officials captured the last glimpse of a 'King Crab,' also known as the 'Sirindhorn Crab' a rare waterfall crab species. This crab, displaying its stunning white and purple colours, was a precious gift from nature," read the shared post. With the post, Kaeng Krachan National Park highlighted what the sighting of an exclusive purple crab may mean to the ecosystem and biodiversity. The park is also taking the survival of the King Crab as an indicator of the strong health of the forest and a reflection of their sustained efforts in preserving the animals inside it. 'The appearance of the king crab not only marks the discovery of a rare animal, but also serves as a key indicator of the health of the ecosystem in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The survival of this protected wildlife demonstrates the outstanding quality of the forest's environment," read the park's social media post. The King Crab, also named Sirindhorn Crab, derives its name from the princess of Thailand, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The crab species belongs to the panda family, according to a report by Popular Science. The panda crabs are usually famous for their white-and-black markings. However, the sighting of a purple crab was still unexpected, as it is a rare variation of the same. Very little information is available about the panda crabs as it is, people know even less about the purple variant. Why The Purple Colour? According to a 2012 National Geographic report, Hendrik Freitag of the Senckenberg Museum of Zoology observed in a study that the purple hue of the crab may have developed by 'chance". 'The particular violet colouration might just have evolved by chance, and must not necessarily have a very specific function or reason aside from being a general visual signal for recognition," said Hendrik. The lucky sighting of the species has created a buzz on the internet, leaving users puzzled and amazed. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Rare sighting of purple crabs in Thailand: Vibrant pics of elusive species stun internet
An elusive crab species spotted in Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park has stunned the world with its vibrant purple hue. Officials called it a 'precious gift from nature', adding that this variety is extremely rare. Pictures show elusive purple crabs at Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park. (Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation) The department published a series of photos of the alien-looking crustaceans. According to the translated Facebook post, the park rangers spotted and pictured the crabs. 'Officials captured the last glimpse of a 'King Crab,' also known as the "Sirindhorn Crab," a rare waterfall crab species. This crab, displaying its stunning white and purple colours, was a precious gift from nature,' read a part of the share. What does sighting of the rare species mean? According to the park's social media post, 'The appearance of the king crab not only marks the discovery of a rare animal, but also serves as a key indicator of the health of the ecosystem in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The survival of this protected wildlife demonstrates the outstanding quality of the forest's environment.' The crab named after the princess of Thailand, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is often referred to as 'Princess' or 'Sirindhorn'. According to a Popular Science report, the crab species belongs to the panda crab family. These crabs are usually famous for their white-and-black markings. Purple crabs are a rare variation of this species. Some reports claim that the crab was initially documented in 1986 at Ngao Waterfall National Park, others argue it was much earlier than that. While there isn't much information about panda crabs, people know even less about the purple variants. Why the purple hue? 'The particular violet coloration might just have evolved by chance, and must not necessarily have a very specific function or reason aside from being a general visual signal for recognition,' Hendrik Freitag of Senckenberg Museum of Zoology observed in a study, according to a 2012 National Geographic report. The pictures shared on Thailand Park's social media have created a buzz. While some social media users called the crustaceans stunning, others confessed they couldn't believe the crabs were real.
Bangkok Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Princess Sirindhorn Visits Chang Hua Man Royal Project
Bangkok, July 4, 2025 - The Chang Hua Man Royal Project in Phetchaburi Province recently welcomed a royal visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who graciously proceeded to the site on 3 July 2025 to perform royal duties and observe the progress of ongoing initiatives. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness granted an audience during which Miss Kobkul Kanchanalai, Deputy Director of the Royal Chitralada Projects, introduced Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with the company's executive team, to present a progress report on Bangchak Group's collaborative efforts in developing the Royal Project area. The audience was also graciously attended by officials and staff of the Royal Chitralada Projects, as well as Bangchak Group executives and employees. Mr. Chaiwat respectfully reported on Bangchak Group's long-standing commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives in alignment with royal aspirations, and the translation of these initiatives into tangible commercial applications. The report highlighted the Group's dedication to realising the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's vision of self-reliance and renewable energy. Notably, in 2000, Bangchak, in collaboration with the Naval Dockyard Department, established a pilot biodiesel plant using used cooking oil at the Royal Chitralada Projects. The production process was enhanced in 2004, and in 2005, a commercial biodiesel production unit was constructed at the Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery. This initiative evolved into the founding of Bangchak Biofuel Co., Ltd. in 2009 to produce B100 biodiesel for land transport. The company is now part of BBGI Public Company Limited. In 2025, Bangchak continues to pioneer innovation in bio-based energy. At the Bangchak Sriracha Refinery, Marine Biofuel (B24) has been developed for maritime transport, while the Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery has established a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit using used cooking oil. Her Royal Highness graciously presided over the official opening of this SAF unit in April 2025. The facility, now in trial production, is also capable of producing Renewable Diesel or Green Diesel—supporting sustainable transport by land, sea, and air. Since 2011, Bangchak has supported the transformation of the Chang Hua Man Royal Project into a living learning centre, in accordance with the Royal Initiative to promote self-reliance. The Group initially constructed a B100 biodiesel extraction unit using jatropha oil, serving as a prototype for a community-scale biofuel model. This was followed by the development of a renewable energy exhibition showcasing the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who is revered as the 'Father of Thai Energy Development.' In addition, Bangchak facilitated the relocation of the Chitralada model rice mill—originally inaugurated by His Majesty in 1971—from the Royal Chitralada Project to the site. This included a 500-ton rice storage barn and the 'Pin Kaew' rice milling machine, designed as a model for small-scale farmers and exemplifying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. In 2025, Bangchak also relocated the biodiesel production unit from the Royal Chitralada Project to Chang Hua Man, where it now serves as a demonstration and educational model. The unit uses used cooking oil to produce UCOME (Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester) biodiesel for use in the project's diesel engines, exemplifying the principles of the circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, BCPG Public Company Limited has supported the project by installing both solar rooftop and floating solar systems, which collectively generate over 300 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day—significantly lowering energy costs and promoting renewable energy adoption within the project. During the visit, Her Royal Highness graciously toured various areas of the Chang Hua Man Royal Project, including those developed or enhanced through the support of Bangchak Group, reflecting the project's progress and impact. Following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, Bangchak undertook a range of improvements to key areas of the project to enhance its role as a centre for education and eco-tourism. These efforts included the renovation of the visitor reception building, construction of a scenic terrace and photo point at the wind turbine viewpoint, installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority, development of exhibitions and video presentations at the dairy facility, and the launch of a Mobile Inthanin Café to provide refreshments and support local employment. The Chang Hua Man Royal Project was initiated in 2009, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great personally purchased approximately 250 rai of land near Nong Suea Reservoir in Khao Krapuk Subdistrict, Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province, using His personal funds. His Majesty entrusted the Royal Household Bureau with the development of the land as an experimental agricultural project aimed at cultivating diverse economic crops and promoting agriculture based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Over the years, the project has received sustained support from both public and private sectors, evolving into a model for sustainable development and a welcoming destination for visitors and learners alike. From the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and renewable energy initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great to the royal aspiration of 'Continuity, Preservation, and Advancement' of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Bangchak Group remains deeply grateful for the royal benevolence and honoured to contribute to the Chang Hua Man Royal Project. The Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the project as a living model of sustainable self-reliance and a centre for lifelong learning.
Bangkok Post
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Join a charity run for a good cause
The Donation Hub of Thai Red Cross Society invites interested runners to join a charity run across historic bridges during "Bangkok Double Bridge Run for Red Cross 2025", which will take place on Aug 17. Held in collaboration with Inspire Runner and alumni of Suksanari School to mark the 70th birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, executive vice president of Thai Red Cross Society, this charity event combines exercise, cultural tourism and social welfare, with proceeds going towards Chulalongkorn Hospital's Integrated Cancer Center Development Project. The race has four distances, all of which will start at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall on Arun Amarin Road, from 3am to 7am. What makes this race so special, however, is that it includes crossings of historically important bridges in Bangkok, offering a view of the Chao Phraya River. The 7km category will take participants across Phra Phuttha Yodfa and Phra Pokklao bridges, the 10km mini marathon includes a run across Phra Phuttha Yodfa and Somdet Phra Pinklao bridges, while the route for the 21km half marathon crosses Phra Phuttha Yodfa and Rama VIII bridges. Suitable for families and beginners, the 2km fun run will give them a chance to see Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam up close. The fee is 500 baht for the 2km fun run, 800 baht for both 7km and 10km run, and 1,200 baht for the 21km run. VIP fee is 2,000 baht for a distance of your choice and includes souvenirs. Places are limited but donations are welcome. Visit
