The COASTAL-SOS Thailand Workshop 2025, organized by the Department of Marine Science (DMS), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand, and co-organized by Xiamen University (XMU) and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), with support from Burapha University (BUU), Kasetsart University (KU), and others, was recently held successfully in Bangkok and Chon Buri, Thailand. The workshop focused on “Eutrophication and Hypoxia in the Upper Gulf of Thailand: Assessment, Management, and Early Warning System Development”. From October 20th to 24th, almost 100 participants from over 10 universities and institutions embarked on a fulfilling and unforgettable exchange journey.
Group photo of the workshop
Grand Opening: Collaborative Dialogue
The opening ceremony, which set the stage for a collaborative dialogue, was moderated by Dr. Chawalit Charoenpong, a Lecturer in the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Leader of COASTAL-SOS Thailand. The welcome speeches delivered by Professor Pornanong Aramwit (Vice President of Chulalongkorn University), Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi (Director-General of DMCR), and Professor Minhan Dai (Xiamen University) collectively established a unified theme of cross-border, scientific collaboration as the essential mechanism for tackling critical marine environmental challenges, specifically the shared threats of eutrophication and hypoxia in the Gulf of Thailand, expressing gratitude for attendance, long-term optimism for sustained partnership, and the hope that the five-day exchange would inspire new ideas and advance research efforts necessary for effective management and crisis mitigation.
Honorable Thai hosts and Chinese guests (Left-Right): Assist. Prof. Kornrawee Aiemsomboon (Director of DMS, CU), Prof. Suchana Chavanich (Vice Director for Academic, Prof. in DMS, CU), Prof. Voranop Viyakarn (Director, Aquatic Resource Research, Prof. in DMS, CU), Prof. Dr. Pranut Potiyaraj (Dean of the Faculty of Science, CU), Prof. Pornanong Aramwit, Pharm.D. (Vice President, CU), Prof. Minhan Dai (Chair Professor of Marine Environmental Science, XMU and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi (Director-General, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources), Dr. Hongmei Chen (Assoc. Prof. in XMU and Director of the international office for COASTAL-SOS, an endorsed UN Ocean Decade project), and Dr. Chawalit Charoenpong (Lecturer in DMS, CU and Leader of COASTAL-SOS Thailand).
Moderated by Dr. Chawalit Charoenpong, a Lecturer in the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Leader of COASTAL-SOS Thailand.
Distinguished Guests Share Insights and Expertise
Over the following two days, Dr. Somkiat Khokiattiwong, Specialist Level from DMCR, Professor Minhan Dai and Assoc. Professor Hongmei Chen from Xiamen University delivered keynote speeches on topics including understanding and predicting the eutrophication in the Upper Gulf of Thailand, tipping point and governance of complex coastal systems, and the latest progress and future directions of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development project COASTAL-SOS. Their presentations explored the complex dynamics and governance challenges of coastal systems, emphasized the importance of early warning systems, and discussed the optimal timing and effectiveness of policy interventions.
Moderated by Dr. Chawalit Charoenpong, a Lecturer in the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Leader of COASTAL-SOS Thailand.
Professor Minhan Dai from Xiamen University
Associate Professor Hongmei Chen from Xiamen University
Professor Nengwang Chen, Professor Jian Ma, Professor Ya-Wei Luo, Professor Guizhi Wang, Associate Professor Shaobin Li, and Senior Engineer Jixin Chen from Xiamen University; Professor Zhaoyuan Yu from Nanjing Normal University; and Professor Liyang Zhan from the Third Institute of Oceanography gave academic presentations on topics such as advanced observation technologies, digital twin systems, marine biogeochemical models, microbial research, and international cooperation in marine education. They also engaged in a series of insightful thematic discussions on improving the water quality monitoring system in the Gulf of Thailand. Professor Fei Chai from Xiamen University also participated in the discussions online and provided valuable advice.
Professor Fei Chai from Xiamen University
Professor Nengwang Chen from Xiamen University
Professor Jian Ma from Xiamen University
Professor Guizhi Wang from Xiamen University
Professor Ya-Wei Luo from Xiamen University
Associate Professor Shaobin Li from Xiamen University
Dr. Jixin Chen, Senior Engineer from Xiamen University
Professor Zhaoyuan Yu from Nanjing Normal University
Professor Liyang Zhan from the Third Institute of Oceanography
Associate Professor Thaithaworn Lirdwitayaprasit, Supervisor of Si Racha Fisheries Research Station, Kasetsart University
Dr. Pornsook Chongprasith, Specialist on water quality, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand
Delegates Explore Laboratories
During the workshop, outstanding doctoral students from Dr. Chawalit Charoenpong and Associate Professor Dr. Sanit Piyapattanakorn from Department of Marine Science, Chulalongkorn University led the Chinese delegation on a tour of their Department of Marine Science and Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology and Laboratory Center, where delegates gained insight into the unique experimental techniques and instrument operations.
Group photo with host from Department of Marine Science and Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology and Laboratory Center, CU
Visit to the Bangsaen Institute of Marine Science
On October 22, 2025, delegates participated in a rewarding visit to the Bangsaen Institute of Marine Science (BIMS) at Burapha University (BUU). The Institute's Director, Dr. Bunlung Nuangsaeng, extended a warm welcome and shared his vision for ocean healthcare. He detailed how marine scientists and academics actively engage with local areas, particularly the Chon Buri Province coastline, which is a focal point for intense marine and coastal activities, including tourism, industrial and port operations, and fishing. Subsequently, a dedicated team—comprising Assistant Professor Anukul Buranapratheprat, Mr. Arvut Munhapon, and Ms. Supattra Taleb—introduced the Institute's extensive 30-year history of red tide research along the Bangsaen Coast. They also presented the recently deployed automated monitoring station designed for areas experiencing significant eutrophication. Following the technical presentations, Ms. Supattra Taleb and Ms. Wiracha Charoendee, Assistant Director of Special Affairs of Bangsaen Institute of Marine Science guided the delegation through the Institute's exhibition areas for an informative exchange and learning experience.
Group photo with host from Bangsaen Institute of Marine Science and Bangsaen Aquarium
Professor Minhan Dai with Dr. Bunlung Nuangsaeng
Visit to Marine Auto-station at Si Racha
On the afternoon of October 22, 2025, a Marine Auto-station established by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in Si Racha, Chon Buri Province, was introduced by Ms. Mitila Pransilpa, Fishery Biologist (Senior Professional Level) from the DMCR, and Assistant Professor Thanasapong Phokwanit of Kasetsart University's Department of Marine Science; this station is key to the DMCR's goal of evaluating coastal water quality and developing a future warning system. The visit, which included welcome speeches and a discussion on future collaboration, was also attended by the Dean of the Fisheries Faculty and Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij from Kasetsart University, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two institutions in advancing marine monitoring efforts.
Group photo with host from Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and Kasetsart University
Visit Si Racha Fisheries Research Station, GOT001, and R/V Kasetsart and roadmap of COASTAL-SOS Thailand
During October 23-24, 2025, COASTAL-SOS Delegates received warm welcome at Si Racha Fisheries Research Station by Dean of the Fisheries Faculty and Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij from Kasetsart University. Ms. Kanokwan Khaodon (Practitioner Fisheries Biologist) and Mr. Saroj Rerndamrih (Practitioner Fisheries Biologist) provided a comprehensive tour, introducing the guests to the Oceanography Laboratory, the Aquatic Animal Hatchery, and various projects being undertaken by the Faculty of Fisheries. Assistant Professor Tanuspong Pokavanich and Dr. Khanittha Uthaipan from the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, along with Ms. Mitila Pransilpa from the DMCR, escorted the delegation by boat to the GOT001 Telemetry Marine Monitoring Station. This station, the first real-time meteorological and oceanographic monitoring station in Thailand, is located at the Si Racha Fisheries Research Station and is supported through a collaboration with the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII). The delegation was also welcomed aboard the Kasetsart Research Vessel 1. Captain Bandit Sripa and Assistant Professor Tanuspong Pokavanich provided a guided introduction and demonstration of the vessel's marine survey equipments.
At the end of the workshop, Dr. Chawalit Charoenpong from CU, Dr. Thanasapong Phokwanit, Dr. Khanittha Uthaipan from KU and Ms Mitila Pransilpa from DMCR, presented the plan for COASTAL-SOS Thailand fieldwork, and engaged Chinese delegates into a thorough discussion. The discussion covered the overall goals and direction of the project, including the construction of data system and the carbon neutrality goal to be achieved in the future. The work plan for the next two years was outlined, identifying the parameters required for the project and planning the exchange and cooperation.
COASTAL-SOS Delegates and Dean of the Fisheries Faculty and Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij from Kasetsart University
Introduction of GOT001 by Assistant Professor Tanuspong Pokavanich
GOT001 Telemetry Marine Monitoring Station
Group photo with staff from Kasetsart University
Group photo with the Kasetsart Research Vessel 1’ Captain Bandit Sripa
COASTAL-SOS Thailand Fieldwork Discussion
Organizers: Department of Marine Science (DMS), Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand. Co-organized by Xiamen University (XMU) and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), with support from Burapha University (BUU), Kasetsart University (KU), and others.
Reporters: Yongqi Liu (COASTAL-SOS Project assistant) and Khanittha Kikky Uthaipan (Lecturer, Kasetsart University)
Reviewer: Dr. Hongmei Chen (Assoc. Prof. in XMU and Director of the international office for COASTAL-SOS, an endorsed UN Ocean Decade project)
Photographers: Yongqi Liu and outstanding doctoral students from CU
Video: Khanittha Kikky Uthaipan
Date: 20-24 October 2025
