Governor Maitree Intusut officiated, opening a large basket of butterflies over the lagoon at the entrance to the park. Smaller cages of butterflies were opened by the public.
Not all the butterflies – which were raised at the Phuket Butterfly Farm in Sam Kong, organisers of the annual eco-event – seemed to understand the point of the exercise, and many had to be coaxed gently out of the cages.
Many fluttered around for a few seconds before alighting on the delighted heads or shoulders of the hundreds of people who came along for the event.
A program of events including dances by local schoolchildren and the release of fish into the stream and lake ensured this was an innocent and enjoyable day out for all.
The Phuket News and Phuket Live 89.5 Radio were co-sponsors of the event