marine life
- Thailand News
Thailand launches UAVs to protect endangered dugongs
Efforts to preserve the dugong population have intensified following the recent discovery of several deceased specimens. Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Chalermchai Sri-on, announced a series of new measures aimed at safeguarding these unique marine mammals, whose survival is threatened by the disappearance of seagrass meadows—an essential food source for the world’s only herbivorous marine mammal. The decline of seagrass…
- Thailand News
Get ready to sea it all: Trang opens for snorkeling with marine life
Trang province is now ready to welcome tourists to admire the stunning beauty of the sea at Lao Liang Island. Visitors can snorkel to see schools of anchovy swimming around coral reefs and spot dozens of clownfish among vibrant sea anemones, showcasing the richness of natural marine life. Anan Gingkoyao, also known as Bang Daad, a 36 year old local…
- Thailand Travel
Types of jellyfish in Thailand
When you’re planning a trip to Thailand’s stunning beaches, it’s important to be aware of the marine life you might encounter. Among the fascinating creatures in Thai waters, jellyfish stand out for their beauty and, in some cases, their potential danger. While most jellyfish in Thailand are harmless, it’s crucial to know about the types that can pose a threat.…
- Thailand News
Tourists flee Pranburi Beach over mysterious needle-like creatures
Tourists and locals alike were left stunned when Pranburi Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan was suddenly overrun by thousands of bizarre, transparent, needle-like creatures yesterday, October 8. Stretching across a 5-kilometre section of the popular beach, from Khao Kaloke to the Pranburi River mouth, these strange intruders have set social media abuzz with curiosity—and concern. Photos of the peculiar creatures…
- Thailand News
Efforts intensify to protect rare marine species in Andaman Sea
Efforts to protect rare marine species along the Andaman Sea have intensified, with new aerial surveys revealing the presence of dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins, highlighting a thriving marine ecosystem. The initiative, spearheaded by senior officials, aims to conserve these precious resources. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pachara Wongsoonsawat has shown significant concern for the…
- Thailand News
Similan Islands national park’s plea for hermit crab homes
Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga province is sounding the alarm and calling on the public to donate shells to provide new homes for hermit crabs. This urgent campaign aims to boost the crab population and enhance marine biodiversity. Hermit crabs are vital beach cleaners, eliminating bacteria and disease to maintain the park’s ecosystem. Due to their soft…
- Thailand News
Female dugong found dead from illegal fishing nets in Krabi
In a tragic event marking the fourth dugong death caused by fishing equipment this year, a female dugong was discovered dead this morning, entangled in a crab fishing net off Ao Nang Beach, in Krabi Province. The incident was reported by a local tour boat operator who spotted the floating carcass approximately 600 metres from the shore. Staff from the…
- Thailand News
Record sea temperatures devastate coral reefs and marine life
Record sea surface temperatures in Thailand’s eastern gulf coast are causing severe damage to the region’s aquatic life, raising concerns among scientists and local communities. Coral reefs that were once vibrant and colourful, situated about 5 metres underwater, have turned white due to coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates deteriorating health caused by elevated water temperatures. Data reveals that sea surface…
- Guides
Thailand’s marine secrets: Dive into conservation efforts
Thailand’s marine ecosystems are under threat, and it’s time for eco-warriors like you to step up. With its stunning coral reefs, diverse fish species, and unique sea turtles, Thailand’s underwater world is a treasure that needs protecting. From the bustling Andaman coast to the serene island of Koh Tao, conservation efforts are in full swing, and there’s a role for…
- Thailand News
Rare oarfish carcasses found in Thailand to be exhibited post study
Two oarfish carcasses recently discovered in Thailand are currently under examination by the National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation. Once the investigation is finished, the remains will be showcased at an exhibition. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said yesterday that the first oarfish carcass was discovered near Patong Beach, Phuket on February 15. Local fishermen located…
- Thailand News
Dugong survival threatened by seagrass decline in Andaman Sea
A prominent marine biologist issued a stark warning regarding the potential threat to the survival of dugongs in the Andaman Sea due to the rapid decline of seagrass, their primary food source. Thon Thamrongnawasat, the deputy dean of Kasetsart University’s fisheries faculty, voiced his concerns in a Facebook post, emphasising his worries for the future of marine biodiversity, specifically the…
- Thailand News
Dugongs’ dinner dilemma: Seagrass vanishing act sparks fears for marine giants
The disappearance of vital seagrass in the southern province of Trang has marine scientists and conservationists on high alert. The dwindling seagrass, a key food source for dugongs, has raised concerns over the fate of these gentle sea mammals. Seagrass, the culinary delight of dugongs, is vanishing at an alarming rate from the pristine seas off Thailand’s southern province of…
- Thailand News
Making waves: Thai marine police chief boosts efforts against maritime crime
The newly appointed chief of the Marine Police Division has quickly made a name for himself and the often-understated unit, highlighting its significant role in curbing criminal activities and maritime threats in Thai waters. Since taking office in October last year, Police Major General Phruttiphong Nuchanart has been at the helm of operations that led to the seizure of over…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya: Extinct Neptune’s Cup Sponge rediscovered
A wave of enthusiasm has swept through the environmental community in Pattaya, following the exciting rediscovery of the Neptune’s Cup Sponge, a marine creature believed to have been extinct. This incredible find was announced by Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, serving as the Associate Dean for the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, via a post on his personal Facebook page. The…
- Thailand News
Royal battleships make a reefinement splash as underwater tourism sets sail off Koh Tao
The royal battleships Su Phairin and Han Hak Satru just took their last splash as they were submerged undersea to form refinement ambassadors. Rear Admiral Charasakiat Chaiphan, commander of the 2nd naval area, led the initiative, all part of the underwater learning park project to take the plunge into underwater tourism. The two decommissioned vessels found their new home off…
- Phuket News
Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
- Phuket News
Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
- Phuket News
Patong Beach ceremony marks World Oceans Day, urges marine protection
In honour of World Oceans Day (yesterday), a ceremony took place at Patong Beach, Phuket, with officials urging increased efforts to protect the marine environment. The event was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and attended by Wissanu Jaengjai, Director of the Region 10 Office of Marine and Coastal Resources, Sanakorn Kisin, Deputy Mayor of Patong, and representatives…
- Phuket News
2 Phuket restaurants busted with protected marine life
In Phuket, two floating restaurants have been busted possessing protected marine life in violation of environmental laws. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) inspected floating restaurants in Phuket on Friday to check whether they had protected marine life and found a stash. Social media posts shared the findings online. The DMCR inspection found that both restaurants had ornamental…
- Environment News
Thailand slides down world’s marine plastic index
Thailand’s spot on the list of countries with the highest levels of marine plastic pollution is down from #6 to #10 in light of the country’s efforts to combat plastic waste. Thailand recently reached an international agreement to combat the looming problem of plastic waste at the UN’s most recent Environmental Assembly, or UNEA, meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya. Thailand…
- South Thailand News
Pumice from volcanic eruption found on southern beaches off Gulf of Thailand
Locals who live near the beaches of Songkhla and other southern districts along the Gulf of Thailand have found numerous small pumice stones that are believed to be from a volcanic eruption. No one knows where these spongy greyish-green stones came from. They were discovered along the shoreline in various locations, including Chalathat and Samila beaches, and other major tourist…
- World News
BTS promotes Samsung’s ocean cleanup campaign in ‘Galaxy for the Future’ MV
In a new music video, South Korea’s BTS is promoting the recycling of ocean-bound plastics and the use of eco-conscious packaging for the new Samsung Galaxy S22 Series smartphones. The MV capped off last night’s Galaxy Unpacked 2022 event, which saw the release of Samsung’s newest devices, with an eco-friendly emphasis on their Galaxy for the Planet initiative and the…
- Krabi News
Maya Bay re-opening to go ahead with strict conditions attached
The tourist hotspot of Maya Bay, in the southern province of Krabi, will re-open as scheduled on New Year’s Day. However, the re-opening comes with some strict conditions attached. There had been some doubt about whether the re-opening of the beauty spot would go ahead, but Thailand’s prominent marine ecologist, Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University, says it’s happening. According…
- Phuket News
Watch your step, hundreds of red sea urchins wash up on Patong Beach
Hundreds of red sea urchins washed up on Phuket’s Patong Beach yesterday, prompting marine life experts to investigate and lifeguards to warn beachgoers to watch out their steps to avoid the sharp spines. Marine experts say the sea urchins are the same species that washed up on Patong beach earlier this month. On March 2, hundreds of the red sea…
- Thailand News
Immigration to deport men after alleged eco-vandalism in Koh Phangan
Immigration officials say they will deport the Hungarian and the Dutch man who were photographed handing sea creatures whilst diving in Gulf of Thailand off Koh Phangan. The men were arrested earlier this week and charged with “intruding in an area designated for environmental protection.” Attila Ott and Francesco Simonetti have been so-called “long-stayers” in Koh Phangan. Ott is a…
- Environment News
Expats arrested after posing for selfies while handling protected sea creatures
A Dutch man and a Hungarian national are in custody after picking up protected sea creatures while diving off Koh Pha Ngan in the southern province of Surat Thani. Nation Thailand reports that the Hungarian man, named as Attila Ott, is a scuba diving instructor, who owns the Pink Panther Scuba Dive Club on the island. The Dutch man has…
- Environment News
More sea turtles lay eggs on Koh Samui
It’s been years since sea turtles have been seen laying eggs on Koh Samui beaches. But this year more than a dozen sea turtle nests have popped up around the island’s coast. Just over the weekend, 70 eggs were found by villagers at Laem So beach by the Ban Sai Ree Hotel. It’s rare for the turtles to come to…
- News
Thai government plans to issue guidelines for watching Bryde’s whales in Chonburi
The Director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources says guidelines are needed for Bryde’s whale watching after more than twenty tourists rode jet-skis on a whale-watching trip in Chonburi last week. The Nation reports that Yutthaphon Ankinandana, who is an adviser to the Minister for Natural Resources and the Environment visited the area shortly after and said such…
- Environment News
Old Thai habits die hard: Businesses are trying but shoppers remain stubborn
GRAPHICS: The Nation Thailand is now abuzz over the issue of plastic pollution. This topic is now being widely discussed among Thai netizens, who have been suggesting many measures, including controlling the use of plastic bags at supermarkets and convenience stores. But so much of daily Thai life still revolves around single-use plastics it is taking radical changes in behaviour and…
- Environment News
Biologist calls on Thailand to list all sharks as endangered
PHOTO: Wikipedia Marine biologist Thon Thamrongnawasawat, insists Thailand must place all shark species on its list of endangered animals. His warning is accompanied by Facebook photos showing chopped up blacktip reef sharks being sold on Koh Lanta, in Krabi province. As black tip reef sharks are not listed as endangered, no law is currently being broken. And while the waters…
