Thailand unveils puppies with royal pedigree

[October 14, 2019]    BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand has unveiled eight puppies related to the pet dog of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as the country observed the third anniversary of the monarch's death.

This undated handout picture shows Thai Royal puppies related to the pet dog of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in Bangkok, Thailand. Royal Thai Palace via REUTERS

The black, brown and white puppies were born from two royal dogs artificially inseminated with semen from two male offspring of Khun Thong Daeng, the late king's pet.

The project was supported by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was crowned this year after a mourning period for his father.

"King Maha Vajiralongkorn kindly wished that Khun Thong Daeng's lineage be extended so that the people may remember late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Khun Thong Daeng," Kasetsart University said in a statement.

University veterinarians used semen from the male offspring of Khun Thong Daeng to impregnate two royal dogs. Five puppies were born in June and three in September.

"The eight puppies are healthy," the university said of the Basenji hunting dogs.

Khun Thong Daeng died in 2015 and was beloved by many Thais for her loyalty to the late king.

(Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Kay Johnson and Karishma Singh)

[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.