Chalermchai Sri-on: Innovative Solutions Combat Sai Kaew Beach Erosion

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Chalermchai Sri-on, has made a decisive call to enhance the efforts combating the relentless erosion at Sai Kaew Beach, nestled within the picturesque Sirinat National Park near Phuket. This urgent intervention is a response to last year’s brutal monsoon season, which left a trail of devastation, reshaping coastlines and unsettling local communities alike. On a recent visit on May 3rd, Chalermchai was confronted by the stark reality—errosion had rudely interrupted transportation routes, placing nearby communities in significant jeopardy. But fear not, for hope is striding in with innovative eco-friendly solutions already making headway. A series of zigzag wooden barriers have been strategically introduced, operating like nature’s own trap, capturing sand and reviving the beach’s former glory.

“It’s like magic,” Chalermchai exclaimed with a beam of optimism. “These fences have already returned a whopping 30 to 50 meters of the beach. Now, we’re planning to bolster this with tree planting to further armor the coastline.” This endeavor is part of a grander vision prioritizing Phuket’s delicate shorelines, ensuring that these endeavors are not just environmentally sustainable but also fortify community resilience.

Meanwhile, Chalermchai took the opportunity to visit the Andaman Sea and Coastal Resources Research Centre located at Cape Panwa, where he was briefed about the ongoing marine conservation initiatives. Among the most exciting is the progress of the Thai Marine Life Museum, set to become a beacon of marine knowledge and pride for Southeast Asia. A tribute to Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the museum’s corridors will be teeming with life, showcasing over 200,000 samples, and featuring a parade of over 250 newly discovered species. Moreover, the site isn’t only about knowledge—it’s a sanctuary with nurseries for endangered ocean dwellers like leatherback turtles and leopard sharks. Since 2019, over 800 marine creatures have been rescued from plight, underscoring the project’s immeasurable impact. “The museum is a focal point for education and conservation awareness,” Chalermchai stated with conviction.

Before embarking on this mission in Phuket, the minister also had an earlier stop in Trang, where he praised the successful rejuvenation of dugong habitats around Koh Libong and Koh Muk. Surveys have unveiled promising signs of recovery, with sightings of 25 dugongs, including proud mamas with calves, feeding in the revitalized seagrass meadows—nature’s nourishing buffet. “This is solid evidence of ecosystem recovery and, more importantly, thriving reproduction,” Chalermchai applauded, acknowledging the tireless efforts from the Department of National Parks, local communities, and conservation maestros.

As the minister draws his plan together, his call for unity is clear. “We must press on, hand in hand, to safeguard these species and preserve the seagrass meadows critical for the dugongs’ survival in the embrace of Thailand’s waters.” It’s evident; with royal-endorsed research centers and a surge in coastal projects, not to mention the endearing return of baby dugongs, Thailand’s battle against environmental challenges is advancing robustly. And it all begins at these sandy shores.

With such ambitious and promising plans unfolding, Thailand seems determined to ensure its natural wealth continues to thrive, creating a vibrant legacy for future generations. As Chalermchai and his team lead the charge, there’s a renewed sense of hope and excitement bubbling across this beautiful paradise called Thailand.