The government of Thailand invited diplomats from 80 different nations to accompany them on a three-day journey to the Andaman Coast. During this trip, the diplomats had the opportunity to observe firsthand a variety of royal programs aimed at fostering social development in the southern region. The tour was planned by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and it began with a stop at the Thung Talay Royal Initiative Project in the Lanta district of Krabi.
The forest area that had been given to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother by the province in 1994 was the focus of this initiative, which was launched in 1994 with the goal of preventing the land from being developed and preserving it for future generations. The scope of the project has now expanded, and it is currently being carried out in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries in the fertile forest zone, where research and development of marine species is being carried out.
After leaving the island, the diplomats traveled to Koh Huyong, which is a part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park and is located in the same province. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya was the inspiration behind the conservation efforts on the island’s coral reefs and sea turtles, which have earned it a well-deserved reputation for their success. The park, which first received its status as a national park in 1992, is currently being considered for inclusion on the provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The park has strict regulations in place to limit the number of visitors and prohibits the use of foam containers and plastic bags. Moreover, the park is an outspoken supporter of environmentally responsible tourism.
The efforts that Thailand has made to protect and conserve marine life as well as natural resources have left the diplomats with a favorable impression. Ambassador Serap Ersoy of Turkey to Thailand expressed her respect for the initiatives and extended her support for the nomination of Mu Ko Similan National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site.