Chonburi, Thailand – Chonburi Governor Mr. Naris Niramaiwong led a merit-making ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, to save two cows from a slaughterhouse in honor of his 57th birthday, following the long-standing royal initiative of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).
The event took place at the residence of Mr. Somyot Tokiri, village head of Moo 3 in th Takhian Tia Subdistrict, who also owns Tokiri Farm. Governor Naris, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Suphinya Niramaiwong, President of the Chonburi Provincial Red Cross Chapter, purchased two cows at 25,000 baht each, a total of 50,000 baht, and handed them over to the Department of Livestock Development Program. The animals will be given to underprivileged farmers in Phanom Nikhom District to raise for breeding and long-term income generation but not slaughter.
This activity continues the “Cattle and Buffalo” project initiated by His Royal Majesty King Rama IX in 1979. The royal initiative is to save animals from slaughterhouses and provide them to farmers as productive assets, promoting agricultural livelihoods, breeding programs, and economic stability in rural communities.
A key condition of the handover is that the recipient farmers must not sell or slaughter the animals. They are required to care for them, breed them, and use them to create sustainable income in line with the project’s objectives.
The ceremony included chanting by a Buddhist monk to bestow blessings on the donors, participants, and the rescued animals. Many local dignitaries attended, including Banglamung District Chief Mr. Anusak Piriyamorn, Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Huai Yai Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Warawut Nityawan, Takhian Tia Subdistrict Mayor Mr. Mitchai Prakobtham, livestock officials, village leaders, women’s groups, and local residents.
Governor Naris stated to The Pattaya News that this was organized both as a birthday merit-making activity and to support vulnerable farmers by giving them valuable agricultural capital. He chose Tokiri Farm because it is one of the largest slaughterhouses in Banglamung District, but also allows for regular opportunities to save animals.
He added that the project not only creates good karma but also provides real opportunities for low-income families. He expressed hope that the recipients would honor the spirit of the initiative by properly caring for the cattle and expanding their herds for maximum long-term benefit.
After the formal handover, local leaders, officials, and residents presented birthday gifts and well-wishes to the governor.
