Phuket

Storms damage famous fossils in Krabi

Published

3 years ago

June 13, 2016

Storms damage famous fossils in Krabi | The Thaiger

KRABI: Geologists are seeking a solution to preserve one of Thailand’s largest fossil sites, after it was damaged by monsoon waves.

Naturally-formed slabs of fossilized shells, believed to be about 75 million years old, at Fossil Shell Beach – locally known as ‘Susan Hoi’ – have broken off recently.

The beachfront site in Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is the largest in the country and has been pounded by rough monsoon weather in recent weeks.

Pleanprasob Khaonuan of the Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park said that this was not the first time that the fossil plate has been damaged, but National Park officers are still working on a way to preserve the site.

“At this stage, we have yet to find a solution,” Mr Pleanprasob said. “We have been requesting an increased budget in order to build a wall that would protect the area. However, our request has never been considered, as it would cost about 400 million baht,” he said.

Mr Pleanprasob said that the site is currently considered as an ancient fossil site by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), which may allow for additional funding of the proposed sea barrier.

“The shell field covers a 2km-stretch along the Krabi coastline. It is a very important ancient site which is the only one in Thailand. It’s probably the only such site like it in the world, and it’s in critical condition now,” said Thanyathorn Thonrat of the DMR.

“We will bring the issue up to the board, in order to find a solution as soon as possible. Registering Susan Hoi as a fossil site is the best solution we can think of. However, it could take up to a year to get approval,” she added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong

Patong

Phuket’s lifeguards say goodbye to a champion of local beach safety

Published

20 hours ago

August 18, 2019

The Thaiger

PHOTOS: Phuket Lifeguard Service

A commemoration ceremony has been held for Prathaiyuth Chuayuan, a local Phuketian who helped drive Phuket’s first beach lifeguard services. He passed away on Friday morning after a heart attack.

He first experienced chest pains whilst delivering his daughter to school in Phuket Town on Friday morning, drove himself immediately to the Vachira Hospital nearby but succumbed to cardiac arrest around 9am.

He was 57 years old.

He worked with Australian lifesavers to help train local lifeguards and improve the skills of the Phuket’s beach enthusiasts, and finally sought international accreditation for the growing body of competent Phuket lifeguards.

The Phuket Lifeguards Service, founded and run by Prathaiyuth and his wife Witanya, saved innumerable lives each year whilst battling Provincial Hall and local government for increased funding in annual contract negotiations.

Daren Jenner, a FOT (Friend of The Thaiger) and local safety officer for the International Surf Lifesaving Association, sent a message to us expressing his deepest condolences to Prathaiyuth’s wife, family and friends.

“I had many good conversations with him over the years. He was a good-hearted man who did his best in difficult and changing circumstances. A very big loss for Phuket and the lifesaving community here. ISLA sends our deepest respect for his long commitment to ocean safety in SE Asia.”

Phuket's lifeguards say goodbye to a champion of local beach safety | News by The Thaiger

Environment

Phuket villager braves the surf to rescue tangled turtle

Published

23 hours ago

August 18, 2019

Tanutam Thawan

Phuket villager braves the surf to rescue tangled turtle | The Thaiger

A local villager in Phuket’s north has risked his own life to retrieve a young sea turtle caught up in fishermen’s netting. The turtle was spotted, caught up in the branches of a fallen tree along the shores of Mai Khao beach. The monsoon was kicking up big waves and it’s unlikely the locals knew how to swim, especially in the surf conditions.

The local villager makes a few attempts to retrieve the turtle, eventually separating the turtle and netting from the tree branches with a meat cleaver.

After clearing the netting from around the turtle’s flippers and neck, it was taken by an officer from the local Phuket Department of Marine Resources for evaluation and treatment before it will be released back to the sea.

VIDEO: ห้องวีอาร์ ทะเลใต้ // @มานพ สิงห์ 8802

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Posted by เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket on Saturday, 17 August 2019

Environment

Marium, the baby dugong internet star, dies. Plastic found in stomach.

Published

23 hours ago

August 18, 2019

The Thaiger

The orphaned female baby dugong, winning the hearts of many and helping to educate Thais about the importance of the local dugong population, has died with plastic waste lining its stomach, prompting a surge of mourning on social media.

Marium was found in April off the coast of Krabi, southern Thailand, and photos of her nuzzling marine biologists quickly went viral. When a second orphaned dugong was found, subsequently named Jamil by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the pair became internet stars.

Dugongs, a species of sea cow, are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, facing environmental threats including pollution, habitat loss and hunting. In Thailand, Marium and Jamil soon became symbols for the conservation of the oceans. Fans could watch Marium on a live feed, receiving veterinary treatment, and being fed up to 15 times a day.

But last week the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources posted that Marium was sick and refusing food. Marium died just after midnight on Saturday morning. An autopsy revealed plastic debris in the intestine, resulting in inflammation and the accumulation of gas, as well as a respiratory infection and a buildup of pus.

The DMCR posted the announcement of the death of “little angel” Marium.

Veterinarian Nantarika Chansue, who treated Marium, says, “She taught us how to love and then went away as if saying please tell everyone to look after us and conserve her species..”

Marium, the baby dugong internet star, dies. Plastic found in stomach. | News by The Thaiger