A kingly gift

'My bird flies high, it's vasectomized!'

December 10, 1995

Web posted at: 7:40 p.m. EST

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Thousands of men in Thailand gave an unusual birthday gift to King Bhumibol Adulyadej this week.

One of the world's longest reigning monarchs, the king marked his 68th birthday as many world leaders do, with the traditional pomp and circumstance. But this king also found the day observed in a much more untraditional way as thousands of men literally gave of themselves to honor their monarch. Their gifts: vasectomies.

The "King's Birthday Vasectomy Festival" was the brainchild of Thailand's family planning association. In honor of the king, who is a big birth control advocate, clinics throughout the nation offered a day of free vasectomies to all men with at least two children. The clinics used an ancient Chinese method that involves just a tiny puncture in the skin, using a local anesthetic. (572K QuickTime movie)

"We heard that the king and queen had said vasectomy (and) family planning should be promoted," said Dr. Apichart Nirapathpongporn, a family planning advocate. "In fact, family planning is a public service written into our constitution. So we think the king won't mind this." (160K AIFF sound or 160K WAV sound)

As was probably fitting, the holiday tribute had a catchy slogan: "My bird flies high, it's vasectomized!" Just like the surgery itself, the slogan lays it all out on the table in an attempt to dispel the false belief that a vasectomy can lead to impotence, physical weakness and obesity.

For many, the vasectomy festival was an opportunity not to be missed. "Today is the birthday of the father of our nation," one patient said. "It has given me a chance to have a vasectomy and I am pleased." Just before their trip to the operating table, those about to be vasectomized got to watch a film detailing what they were going to experience.

Doctors say response to the vasectomy festival was overwhelming. Already, more vasectomy festivals are planned in Thailand for the Chinese New Year, Mother's Day, and even U.S. Independence Day.

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