Mitihoon – Surat Thani, 1 April 2026 – PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), has begun placing the “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art at Koh Tao, Surat Thani province. The initiative will create artificial reefs and a new diving site to help restore marine ecosystems, promote sustainable tourism, and generate income for local communities. Divers will be able to visit the site from mid-April onwards.
Mr. Chayong Borisuitsawat, Executive Vice President, Technology, Carbon Solutions and Sustainable Growth Group of PTTEP, together with Mr. Ukkrit Satapoomin, Deputy Director-General of DMCR, presided over the inaugural ceremony of the “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art placement at Koh Tao in Surat Thani province. The project aims to enhance marine biodiversity, support ecosystem restoration, promote eco-tourism, and strengthen local livelihoods. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Klanarong Yutitham, Vice Governor of Surat Thani Province; Mr. Apichart Meepien, Mayor of Koh Tao Municipality; Ms. Ramleuk Asawachin, President of the Koh Tao Tourism Business Association; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, Deputy Dean for Special Affairs, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University; as well as experts, tourism operators, and members of the local community.
The “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art features nine sculptures of rare marine animals, including Giant Manta Ray, Blue-Spotted Stingray, Sea Turtle Family, Seahorse, Whale Shark, Eagle Ray, Turtle Arch, Blacktip Reef Shark, and Bowmouth Guitarfish (Ronan). Each sculpture stands approximately 2.5 meters tall. In addition, the project includes 93 artificial reef structures, consisting of newly designed Coral Balls and dome-shaped artificial reefs, with an average height of 1–1.5 meters. All structures are made from durable materials specifically designed for artificial reefs, resistant to seawater corrosion and environmentally friendly, providing a safe habitat for marine life.
The sculptures and reef structures will be placed at Buoyancy World, a well-known diving training site at Koh Tao, located about 100 meters from the shoreline at a depth of approximately 16 meters, covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters. The first sculpture is scheduled to be placed 30 March 2026, followed by the remaining pieces until completion.
PTTEP invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art at Koh Tao starting mid-April 2026.
Mr. Ukkrit Satapoomin, Deputy Director-General of DMCR, said that the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is committed to fostering balance and sustainability in Thailand’s marine ecosystems, which serve as a vital foundation for the country’s social and economic security. Achieving this mission requires strong collaboration with partners who share the same vision and commitment. PTTEP has consistently demonstrated its intent and ongoing support in marine conservation efforts. DMCR is confident that the Underwater Sculptures of Art at Koh Tao will serve as a key model of cross-sector collaboration in safeguarding the abundance of Thailand’s marine resources and ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystem.
Mr. Chayong Borisuitsawat, Executive Vice President, Technology, Carbon Solutions and Sustainable Growth Group of PTTEP, said the company would like to thank all partners for their strong collaboration in making the “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art reality. We believe this underwater sculpture of art will help restore marine resources while creating long-term benefits for both the ecosystem and local communities. PTTEP will continue to build on this success and expand marine conservation initiatives in other areas in line with the company’s commitment to sustainable development.
The “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art is a collaboration between PTTEP, DMCR, Kasetsart University, Silpakorn University, the Koh Tao Tourism Association, the Save Koh Tao Club, and the local community. The project aims to develop artificial reef habitats while promoting sustainable tourism. Prior to the placement, PTTEP worked with experts for more than one year to study and design the site layout. The process included sculpture design, ocean current analysis, navigation safety considerations, and the selection of environmentally friendly materials to ensure no adverse impact on marine ecosystems. After installation, continuous monitoring will be conducted to assess ecosystem recovery, marine population growth, and biodiversity in the area.
Over the years, PTTEP, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has continuously implemented artificial reef projects to restore marine ecosystems and enhance marine resources. Notable examples include the Underwater Learning Site Project, which involved placing decommissioned naval vessels as artificial reefs and eco-tourism dive sites, such as HTMS Prab near Koh Ngam Noi in Chumphon province and HTMS Sattakut near Koh Tao in Surat Thani province in 2011. These projects have significantly increased marine biodiversity. In addition, PTTEP plans to further enhance marine habitats by installing retired wellhead platform jackets as artificial reef structures across a wide area in the Gulf of Thailand, expected to begin in the second half of 2026. The initiative will help create large-scale ecosystems and habitats that will increase marine life populations and support sustainable fisheries.
ติดตามช่องทางมิติหุ้นเพื่อรับข่าวสารตลาดทุนได้ตามลิงค์ด้านล่าง
Web : https://www.mitihoon.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/mitihoon
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@mitihoonofficial7770
Tiktok : www.tiktok.com/@mitihoon
