Ms Jitpas and her advisory team inspected operations under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, beginning with a visit to the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center in Wichit.
Officials presented progress updates on major conservation initiatives, including ongoing studies of Andaman marine ecosystems and development plans for the ‘Thai Marine Life Museum in Honor of His Majesty the King’.
Among those joining the briefing were Ukkrit Satphumi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Prasert Sirinpaporn, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the ministry; Natthakrit Phonphet, Director of the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment; and Thipamas Upanoi, Director of the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center.
Speaking during the visit, Ms Jitpas emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening marine conservation research.
“Beyond natural resource stewardship, our mission also encompasses research. How can we support research to create a sustainable ecosystem for the greatest benefit of the country? Many of these projects are royal initiatives. If we can push for any support, we are ready to do our utmost,” she said. She also noted the urgent need for increased personnel at the Upper Andaman research centre to fulfil its expanding duties.
Following the inspection, the delegation visited the Leatherback Sea Turtle Nursery Project, where staff care for hatchlings before their release into the wild as part of long-term conservation efforts.