SONGKHLA, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat has visited the Ban Phang Sai Blue Crab Bank in Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province. The Deputy Prime Minister received a warm welcome from local residents and reviewed operations at the crab bank and coral domes before releasing blue swimming crabs into the wild. He announced a new collaboration among communities, universities, and government agencies to advance marine conservation through science and innovation.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need to turn community feedback into actionable policy and called for a unified approach to coastal management. He urged that blue crab banks, coral restoration, and Irrawaddy dolphin conservation be integrated to enhance overall biodiversity. The ministry will use scientific research to identify key growth factors, such as optimal species proportions and environmental conditions, to develop targeted restoration plans for specific coastal areas.
To improve ocean management, the initiative will use Digital Twin technology to monitor and analyze water quality, supporting both Irrawaddy dolphin protection and ecosystem health. By applying scientific knowledge and technology to local crab banks, the government aims to help communities shift from basic conservation to high-value economic models. Generating local circular revenue will reduce reliance on state budgets and make marine preservation self-sustaining over time.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the integration of royal initiatives on ocean preservation and marine waste management, with the goal of positioning Thailand as a global leader in marine conservation. He emphasized that preserving natural resources is essential for economic stability and quality of life. The broader objective is to create a scalable model where healthier oceans drive local economic growth, beginning in Songkhla and expanding along Thailand’s southern coast. (NNT)
