Thailand

The National Research Council of Thailand who is responsible for organizing the activities concerning the IYO has set up a Sub-committee to work on it. Thailand will focus on creating awareness to the public with special interest to be given to young people.

Mass media promotions which include series of television programmes stressing the importance of the vital role of the oceans, conservation for sustainable use, rehabilitation of marine resources and coastal ecosystems, integrating coastal management. Posters and booklets will also be prepared to be distributed to various sectors.

If time still permits, stamps will be issued to commemorate the IYO.

Thailand is announcing next year to be "Amazing Thailand Year" for tourist promotion. The Sub-committee will work with the Thailand Tourism Authority to produce posters and give out information as well as underwater photos of Thailand best diving spots which include not only the World Heritage Site, Similan and Surin islands, but also some other spots within the Gulf of Thailand as well. It is also to emphasize the importance of reef conservation for sustainable development.

Indigenous people on the islands, the Morgan or the "Sea gypsy" should be given attention. Documents and video about their livelihood should be produced.

Regional cooperation will be stressed in planning. The ASEAN region is considered to be the Centre of marine biodiversity. Regional effort to promote the available information is being prepared.

Regional painting and photography contests at student level should be launched in order to create awareness among children within the region. The theme could be "Our Oceans, Our Future".

Thailand is willing to cooperate in providing information and assistance in line for the promotion of the IYO. Thailand will link to the World Wide Web to provide information on the progress of those activities to all members.