Gulf of Thailand
- Thailand News
Dugongs forced to flee as seagrass vanishes in Thai waters
The warming waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are wreaking havoc on marine life, leaving dugongs desperate for food. Described as “steamed” grass, the disappearance of seagrass which serves as the primary diet of these gentle mammals, is pushing them out of their natural habitats. According to Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, vice dean of the Faculty of…
- Koh Samui Travel
Island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand
Many individuals fantasize about going island hopping in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand. Nothing compares to sitting on the sun-drenched deck of a boat, gazing out at the mesmerizing turquoise waters and dreaming of the adventure that lies on the next island. Scattered like pearls across the shallow inlet in the southwestern South China Sea, the islands in the Gulf of…
- Thailand News
Thai police seize 400,000 litres of smuggled oil in Gulf of Thailand
Coastal vessels carrying a whopping total of 400,000 litres of smuggled oil were apprehended in the Gulf of Thailand. The seizure took place off the coast of Sattahip district in the eastern province of Chon Buri. The interception, which occurred this morning, March 19, was a result of a joint patrol operation by the Marine and Crime Suppression Division police.…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Cambodia in talks over disputed Gulf area
Negotiations are underway between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping border regions in the Gulf of Thailand, according to Sutin Klungsang, Thailand’s Defence Minister. He addressed public concerns and queries from the press about the possible implications of a meeting held in Bangkok on February 21 between Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-Thai Prime Minister. Sutin…
- Thailand News
Yearly rotational fishing ban begins in Gulf of Thailand
The Department of Fisheries initiated its yearly cycle of rotational fishing ban in the Gulf of Thailand, extending until September. The restriction starts at the Khao Mong Lai coast in Prachuab Khiri Khan, extending to the Don Sak district in Surat Thani, effective from today until May 15. Following this, the prohibition will shift to the stretch between Khao Ta…
- Business News
Thailand and Cambodia discuss joint petroleum exploration in Gulf
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand and Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet have instigated discussions about the potential for joint petroleum exploration and production in the Gulf of Thailand. The overlapping claims area (OCA), an area of 26,000 square kilometres that is believed to be rich in fossil fuels, is the focal point of these negotiations. The OCA is considered a…
- Thailand News
Sunken secrets unveiled: Thai-US Navy joint mission to salvage Sukhothai corvette
In a bid to lay to rest the haunting echoes of the past, Admiral Adung Phan-iam, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), declared today the impending joint operation with the US Navy to probe the depths where the Sukhothai corvette now rests. Sinking beneath the waves on that fateful December 19 night in 2022, the Sukhothai corvette became a…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Cambodia to discuss joint exploitation of hydrocarbon resources
Thailand and Cambodia consented to further dialogues concerning the mutual exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA), located in the Gulf of Thailand, a territory claimed by both nations. The matter was discussed during the recent meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as they aimed to enhance cooperation for the…
- Business News
Thailand urged to speed up joint gas project with Cambodia
Energy experts urged Thailand to accelerate discussions on a joint gas production endeavour with Cambodia in the overlapping claim area (OCA). The call comes in light of the global shift towards clean energy, which could pose challenges to new petroleum projects due to their contribution to carbon emissions. Despite its initiation in 2001, the OCA negotiations have yet to progress…
- Thailand News
Cambodian PM’s visit to Thailand aims to resolve maritime dispute
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to visit Thailand for a one-day official discussion on Wednesday, with a crucial focus on the protracted joint development of natural resources within the disputed maritime boundary shared by both nations. This was announced on Monday by both the Foreign Ministry and Government House. The visit, which is anticipated to include a meeting with…
- Thailand News
Northeast monsoon brings storms and high waves to southern Thailand
A strong northeast monsoon has led to a continuation of stormy weather, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for heavy rainfall in parts of southern Thailand. Residents are urged to brace for potential dangers as high winds and waves exceeding 3 metres are expected, prompting advisories against small vessels setting sail until January 27. The TMD, in…
- Thailand News
Eight year old wing-foiling prodigy aims for record-breaking 110-kilometre Gulf of Thailand journey
In a display of sheer talent and determination, an eight year old kid is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey across the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand’s wonder kid, Thanawat Promwaen, aka Shane from Pattaya, plans to cover an astonishing 110 kilometres, soaring from Pattaya to Pak Nam Pran near Hua Hin. If successful, Shane will etch his name in…
- Thailand News
Severe weather warning for 18 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning today for 18 provinces spanning the north and south of the country. Heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms are expected, posing a potential danger to residents. The department advises people to avoid open areas and weakly constructed buildings. This weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts another western…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Cambodia to resume talks over disputed Gulf region
February will see the reignition of talks between Thailand and Cambodia regarding a disputed region in the Gulf of Thailand, spanning 26,000 square kilometres. This area, rich in energy resources, is a matter of contention as both nations lay claim to it. Experts suggest that the discussions should primarily concentrate on the mutual development of energy resources in the Overlapping…
- Thailand News
Gulf of Thailand spill scare: 60,000 litres of crude oil, but Chon Buri coast unharmed
The upper Gulf of Thailand has experienced a crude oil spill of 60,000 litres, however, marine ecology along the coast of Chon Buri remains unscathed, as reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Deputy Chief of the department, Apichai Ekvanakun, confirmed that the department’s teams had examined the coral reefs across five islands in the province. These islands…
- Thailand News
Reeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area
The Fisheries Department announced there will be a temporary fishing ban implemented in the Tua Kor area of the Gulf of Thailand. The decision was made as a direct result of the substantial rise in the amount of fish caught for commercial purposes in the area. The amount of fish that was caught each day in 2022 averaged out to…
- Business News
Chevron Thailand’s gas game-changer: Boosting domestic supply and breaking free from costly imports
Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production aims to boost domestic gas supply to reduce the Thai government’s reliance on costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, with plans to increase petroleum production in the Gulf of Thailand. The US-based company was granted a licence to explore and produce petroleum at Block G2/65, an area of 15,030 square kilometres in the gulf, under…
- Thailand News
New 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts
The Royal Irrigation Department announced plans to construct a new canal that will connect the Pasak River to the Gulf of Thailand. The primary aim of this project is to alleviate flooding in the Central Plains basin during the rainy season and address water shortages during the dry season. Spanning 135 kilometres, the canal will originate in Tambon Roeng Rang, located…
- Thailand News
BJT’s ambitious plan to creating a ‘land bridge’ to boost economic growth in southern Thailand
The Bhumjaithai Party in Thailand vows to push forward with the development of a “land bridge” connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand, which they believe will stimulate economic growth in the South. Itthidet Supong, spokesperson for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, stated that Anutin is particularly keen on constructing an overland freight route, which is slated to link…
- Thailand News
Thailand set to cruise into marine tourism boom with revived project
Thailand’s Marine Department is set to revive the Cruise Terminal Development Project to cater for the growth in marine tourism. In 2018, Thailand ranked third globally for most cruise ship stopovers, with 581 ships stopping per year and 14% growth year on year. Despite this growth, the country lacks a legitimate standard cruise terminal. A department report showed that the…
- Environment News
RTN mobilised to deal with oil leak off Gulf of Thailand
Thailand today mobilised the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to aid in the rescue of an oil storage vessel and contain damage to the environment. The vessel suffered damage during routine maintenance in the Gulf of Thailand earlier this week. According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, the RTN will focus on assisting the crew in plugging a leak that resulted in…
- South Thailand News
Thailand boosts protection of dolphins in Songkhla Lake
There are as few as 14 Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake. The situation is so serious that the World Bank has become involved. Global dolphin experts recently met with local agencies at the World Bank office in Bangkok to come up with better ways to make sure the dolphins survive, and even flourish. The largest-ever convention of dolphin experts included…
- Things To Do
How to get around in Koh Samui
Getting around on the island of Koh Samui can be a bit different to other areas in Thailand. As the stunning island is full of idyllic beaches and nature, one of the most popular ways of touring the island is by motorbike. But, as Thailand’s roads are considered quite dangerous, it is perfectly fine to not want to get the…
- Environment News
Raise the Sukhothai – salvage companies to bid for 100-million-baht contract
Private salvage companies are being asked to bid to raise the Sukhothai, according to Royal Thai Navy (RTN) sources. HTMS Sukhothai, a corvette-class warship sank in the Gulf of Thailand about 20 nautical miles off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province when it was capsized by 4-metre waves and strong winds. Officers are assessing the damage to the Sukhothai…
- Thailand News
Whale shark visits Thailand’s Koh Chang in rare sighting
A stunning four-metre-long whale shark visited a group of tourists on a snorkelling trip in the waters of Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand yesterday in an extremely rare sighting. Danai Unglo, the owner of Mister Khai Tour Company, said he was leading a group of 15 tourists to go snorkelling at Koh Klum island in Trat province’s Koh Chang…
- Thailand Weather Updates
Full moon storms to hit southern Thailand this weekend
Full moon storms are to hit southern Thailand this weekend, with the first full moon of the year early on Saturday morning. People living in southern provinces, including Koh Pha Ngan, should keep off the beaches and stay home, preparing for heavy weather, including flash floods in the mountains, until Monday. The Meteorological Department advised sailors to exercise extreme caution…
- Thailand News
HTMS Sukhothai update: Thai navy confirms 22 dead, 7 missing
At 8.20am today, the body of a Thai navy sailor from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai was found on the coast of Koh Samet island, Chumphon province, southern Thailand. In a press release, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy Admiral Pokrong Monthatphalin said that 76 out of 105 crew members survived after the ship went down off the coast of Prachuap…
- Thailand News
Corpse wearing Royal Thai Navy shirt is a fisherman, not a HTMS Sukhothai sailor
The dead man wearing a Royal Thai Navy shirt found washed up on a beach in Songkhla province this morning was a fisherman and not a sailor from the HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand just over a week ago. Many thought the man may be one of the 11 HTMS Sukhothai sailors still missing. However, a…
- Thailand News
Body of tattooed man wearing Royal Thai Navy shirt washes up in southern Thailand
The body of an unidentified man wearing a Royal Thai Navy shirt washed up on a beach in Songkhla province in southern Thailand early this morning, reports KhaoSod. It is not yet confirmed whether the man is one of 11 sailors still missing from the HTMS Sukhothai, which sank off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province just over one…
- Thailand News
Death toll of sunken Thai navy ship rises to 18, 11 sailors missing
The Royal Thai Navy recovered the bodies of three more missing HTMS Sukhothai sailors from the Gulf of Thailand yesterday, December 25, bringing the total death toll from the tragedy to 18, according to a navy spokesperson. Of the 105 crew members aboard the warship when it sank over a week ago, 76 have been rescued, 18 died and 11…
- Thailand News
Sailor floating in Gulf of Thailand for 60 hours rescued by navy
The Royal Thai Navy found another HTMS Sukhothai crew member alive floating near Koh Talu in the Gulf of Thailand this afternoon, reports ThaiRath. The sailor drifted in the sea amid high waves and strong winds for 60 hours after the warship sank, 19 nautical miles off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on Sunday night. Navy vessel HTMS…
- Thailand News
Navy ship sinks in Thailand: ‘There weren’t enough life jackets on board’
In a race against time, the Royal Thai Navy continues their search today for missing crew members from the HTMS Sukhothai which sank off the coast of Thailand on Sunday night. So far, the navy’s HTMS Kraburi has brought ashore the bodies of six crew members found floating in the sea. The navy is still searching for 23 missing sailors.…
- Thailand News
Navy ship sinks in Gulf of Thailand: 77 rescued, 4 dead, 24 missing
UPDATE 4 In a press release this afternoon, the Royal Thai Navy reported the results of their continued search for missing sailors from the HTMS Sukhothai which sank in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday. On Sunday night, 75 crew members were rescued from the sinking ship. Navy vessels have since found two more sailors alive in the Gulf of…
- Thailand News
Navy rescues 1 sailor from Gulf of Thailand, 30 still missing
UPDATE 3 Last night, the Royal Thai Navy rescued one missing sailor – Chief Petty Officer Natee Timdee – found floating in the Gulf of Thailand. Natee was unconscious when he was found but his condition is now “safe.” The navy reports that 30 sailors are still missing. At 8:45pm, the HTMS Kraburi docked at Prachuap Pier after patrolling the…
- Thailand News
Body and 9 sailors found alive by oil tanker are not from HTMS Sukhothai, says navy
UPDATE 2 The Royal Thai Navy says the nine sailors found alive and one dead body discovered by an oil tanker in the Gulf of Thailand are not crew members from the HTMS Sukhothai which sank off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province last night as widely reported in Thai media. At least four boats sank in Thailand’s waters…
- Thailand News
Navy ship sinks in the Gulf of Thailand, 84 rescued, 1 dead, 21 missing
False information in this story has been updated. In total, 84 members of the Royal Thai Navy have been rescued from the Gulf of Thailand after the HTMS Sukhothai navy vessel sank to the bottom of the sea last night amid rough conditions. One body has been recovered and 21 crew members are still missing. As of noon today, the…
- Thailand News
Navy ship sinks in the Gulf of Thailand, 73 rescued, 33 missing
This story has been updated. The Royal Thai Navy‘s HTMS Sukhothai sank in the Gulf of Thailand last night, around 20 miles from the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with 106 navy personnel on board. Navy vessels, tug boats and oil tankers rescued 73 crew members from the water, three of whom are in critical condition, and are still searching…
