Research News

On May 12, 2024, the Center for Academic Services (CAS) of Walailak University, in collaboration with the cooperative network, the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea), as co-hosts, and Chevron Thailand Exploration And Production Co Ltd., as sponsors, along with 20 participants from universities across the country who completed the 31st Marine Ecology Course (practical section), organized a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity under “The 31st Marine Ecology Course” at Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea), Phuket Province. The activities included beach cleaning and the release of turtles, which had been cared for by the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Center. These activities were held on the beach in front of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea), Phuket Province.

For the turtle release activity back into the sea, assistance was provided by the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Center, located within the premises of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea), Cape Panwa, Phuket Province. The center has been operational since March 2019, serving as the first facility to receive and rehabilitate sick marine animals. It is the location of ponds for the care, rehabilitation, and treatment of rare marine animals, including sea turtles and marine mammals (whales, dolphins, and dugongs). Additionally, they conduct blood tests, tissue examinations, radiography, and autopsy of rare marine animals. Under this social activity, a total of 3 turtles were released into the sea: 2 green turtles, naturally ill, and 1 olive ridley turtle, sick from exposure to leaked oil in the sea. They have been assisted and cared for until fully recover and can return to their normal lives independently in their natural habitat.

This social activity is part of the closing ceremony of the 31st Marine Ecology Course (practical section), which was held from May 6th to 13th, 2024. It fulfills the objectives of the project, which include lectures, seminar topics in online formats, and practical activities for fostering knowledge and understanding of marine ecology, both in terms of the structure and the role relations of living within each marine ecosystem and between marine ecosystems. The aim is to enhance research potential and scientific education processes in marine ecology and to raise awareness and promote philosophy management of marine resources and ecosystems for sustainable utilization, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), fostering collaboration with relevant networks and organizations; SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education; and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Participants in this activity included Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of CAS; Mr. Chalermrat Sangmanee, representative from the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea), as co-hosts; Mr. Piyanai Klinnoi, Air Base Superintendent; Mrs. Jiraporn Chotechoung, Sr. coordinator Stakeholder Engagement; and Mrs. Phonmai Jirayingphan, Aviation Specialist, as sponsors. Additionally, there were 20 participants from universities across the country who completed the 31st Marine Ecology Course (practical section).