HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana has renamed an island in Phangnga province after being impressed by its white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
The princess has given Tachai Island, part of the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, the new name, “Sirivannavari”.
The princess made the decision after holidaying on the island last week, according to Jeerasak Chookwamdee, director-general of the Fifth Conservation Area Administration Office in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, under the Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Mr Jeerasak said the department is preparing the relevant documentation to give the island its new name.
The princess also named three stone heaps close to Tachai Island as Nariratana 1, Nariratana 2 and Nariratana 3, he added.
Mr Jeerasak said he and officials in his unit were granted an audience with Princess Sirivannavari last Tuesday. The princess thanked the relevant authorities for devoting their energy and attention to nurturing natural resources in the area, he said.
She also urged the authorities to work even harder in conserving the natural beauty of the islands.
Located in Phangnga’s Thai Muang district, Tachai Island was named after a local resident called "Tachai" who discovered the island.