Author: Kittipong Bunlear

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University has been actively engaged in advancing sustainable water and aquatic resource management across Southern Thailand, addressing critical environmental challenges while supporting local communities. Through collaboration with government agencies, private sector partners, and local residents, the University contributes research, innovative solutions, and educational initiatives to promote ecosystem conservation, resilient livelihoods, and sustainable development. Key initiatives include the Pak Phanang River Basin Project, which mitigates flooding, saltwater intrusion, and water shortages; the Kuan Kreng Peat Swamp Project, focused on wetland restoration and integrated water management; and the Bandon Bay Sustainable Fisheries Project, aimed at preserving marine biodiversity, promoting responsible fishing practices, and ensuring long-term ecological and economic resilience. Together, these efforts exemplify Walailak University’s commitment to evidence-based, community-centered, and ecosystem-focused approaches to natural resource management. The Projects…

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University (WU) continues to play an active role in advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, fostering environmental stewardship in alignment with international standards and national priorities. Through long-term projects that combine scientific innovation, government collaboration, and community participation, WU supports both ecological preservation and local livelihoods. Two flagship ongoing programs—the Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Project and the Tilapia Aquaculture Program—illustrate the university’s leadership in promoting good aquatic stewardship. Blue Swimming Crab Fishery: Advancing Sustainable Practices in Aquatic Restoration From 2018 to 2024, WU has spearheaded an ongoing project to rehabilitate blue swimming crab populations in Bandon Bay under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee. This initiative has made remarkable progress in elevating Thailand’s fishery standards in accordance with the Fishery Improvement Program (FIP) framework.…

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University (WU) is committed to safeguarding and monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems in its surrounding areas through advanced scientific approaches. Strategically situated near key marine and freshwater resources, WU actively tracks ecosystem conditions to support sustainable management. The university employs cutting-edge technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, CTD sensor networks, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to collect and analyze environmental data. The following highlights WU’s ecosystem monitoring efforts in Bandon Bay and the coral reef areas of Phuket. Monitoring Bandon Bay with GIS and Remote Sensing Bandon Bay, adjacent to WU, plays a critical role in supporting both local communities and marine biodiversity. To protect this vital ecosystem, WU researchers collaborate with government agencies and industry partners, including the Thai Frozen Foods Association…

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University has water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges to uphold water quality in order to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare. All of the water resources used on campus are from tap water extracted by WU on campus 100% and recycled wastewater. Chala Nusorn Water Works HouseWastewater Treatment Plant The Tap Water from Natural Rainwater Walailak University’s primary water supply is produced from natural rainwater collected in the Phuksa Chon and Chalanuson Reservoirs. The Chalanuson Reservoir, covering 329,385 m² with a capacity of 4.94 million m³, serves as the main source. The Chalanuson Water Supply Plant, with a production capacity of 400 m³ per hour (9,600 m³ per day), distributes tap water across the campus. Raw water is pumped from the reservoir…

Outreach and Engagement In 2024, Walailak University collaborated with government agencies, local authorities, and marine industry partners to implement projects that provide advanced technologies to minimize and prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems.Among these initiatives, the Bandon Bay Project employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing to monitor and mitigate ecosystem degradation across this expansive watershed. The university also established a CTD Sensor Network around coral reefs on Racha Island, delivering real-time data to support coral conservation and address climate change-related threats.To protect vulnerable marine species, the Aerial Survey Using UAV-Drone project monitors populations of dugongs, turtles, and dolphins in Krabi Province. Each project integrates cutting-edge technology with collaborative efforts, reflecting Walailak University’s commitment to sustainable marine industry practices and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. GIS and Remote Sensing Technologies…

Outreach and Engagement As global environmental challenges intensify, the conservation of aquatic ecosystems has become increasingly urgent. Walailak University (WU) actively engages in research and community initiatives to protect and restore freshwater and marine ecosystems, with particular attention to species and habitats under threat.Demonstrating a strong commitment to ecological preservation, WU collaborates with local communities, government agencies, private sectors, relevant industries, and NGOs to implement impactful projects. These efforts aim to safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystem health, and ensure the sustainable management of freshwater, coastal, and marine environments. Maintaining Freshwater Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Community-Based Living Weirs for Plants and Animals Conservation In 2024, Walailak University collaborated with local communities, government agencies, and industrial partners—including the Department of Provincial Administration, Na Mai Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the Subdistrict Agricultural Technology Transfer and…