The initiative was announced at a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at the Peranakan Museum, located at the Chartered Bank Intersection in the Phuket Old Town area, yesterday (Mar 12).
The MoU Signing was between ‘Rotary Club of Meuang Rae Phuket’ (Rotary District 3330) and Rotary Club of Ihcheon West, Gyeonggi-South Korea (District 3600) along with five government agencies, including the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), as well as the Phuket Art Association.
The signing of the MoU was presented as a grand affair, bringing together a host of VIPs taking part.
Among those present were DMCR Deputy Director-General Phadet Laithong; Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat; PPAO President Rewat Areerob; Phuket Art Association President Anchalee Vanich Thepbutr; along with representatives from tourism associations, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Thai Hotel Association, and the Royal Thai Navy; and both public and private sector stakeholders.
Representing Rotary District 3330 was Club President Jakkrachai Thakul, and representing Rotary District 3600 was Club President Kim Sang-soo.
Rotary International has invested B5 million to launch the coral restoration project, said an official report of the event.
The initiative is aimed at conserving and restoring coral reefs while mitigating the impact of marine tourism, with the MoU signed to reinforce long-term efforts in conserving Thailand’s marine ecosystems, the report added.
The ‘Raya’ Underwater Art Museum is inspired by the Ramayana (Ramakien) epic. The project will feature sculptures of characters from the Ramayana, designed to serve as artificial coral reefs, promoting marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Constructed using eco-friendly materials developed by SCG, the installations will provide a habitat for marine life, supporting coral restoration efforts.
The underwater museum at Siam Bay will span one rai (1,600 square metres) and is being developed with the support of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
The first sculpture, depicting Hanuman, a key figure in the Ramayana, is set for installation next month. The entire museum is expected to be completed within two to four years.
The RAYA project merges the themes of Ramayana and Racha Island under the Phuket ‘ART-iS Fiesta’ initiative, a creative endeavor paving the way for Thailand Biennale 2025.
Spearheading the artistic vision for the museum is renowned Thai artist Prof Chalermchai Khositphiphat and his contemporary art team.
The museum will eventually house over five large sculptures from the Conquest of Lanka and more than 10 composite pieces crafted by Thai artists under the guidance of the Phuket Art Association.
An exhibition showcasing underwater sculptures has been set up at the Chartered Bank Intersection in Phuket Town.
The RAYA Underwater Art Museum is set to become the first underwater art museum in Asia and the third in the world. The official report noted.
The project is expected to boost Phuket’s global tourism appeal, establishing it as a hub for eco-friendly and cultural tourism.
The artificial reefs are to serve as models for coral restoration while also dispersing divers away from natural reefs, thereby reducing the impact of diving activities.
As part of Rotary International’s global commitment to environmental sustainability ‒ one of its seven core areas of focus ‒ the initiative underscores the importance of multi-sector cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, the report noted.
The installation of the sculptures is expected to aid in coral regeneration, provide habitats for marine life, and alleviate pressures from tourism.
Additionally, it offers an alternative measure to support conservation efforts during periods when diving sites may need to close due to coral bleaching or other environmental concerns.
The project marks a significant step in international cooperation for the preservation of the Andaman Sea and the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s underwater tourism industry, the report concluded.