Sea Turtle Conservation at Koh Man Nai Featured in the 36th Sirindhorn Lecture

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:25 PM, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over and attended the 36th “Sirindhorn Lecture,” titled “Sea Turtle Conservation at Koh Man Nai,” delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat at Room 105, Maha Chulalongkorn Building. The Princess was greeted and received by Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council; Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; and university executives. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornanong Aramwit, Vice President, presented a garland to Her Royal Highness. 

Upon entering the Maha Chulalongkorn Building, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid a floral garland in tribute before the royal portraits of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). She then proceeded to Room 105, where she signed the guestbook. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pannee Cheewinsiriwat presented her with the publication of the 35th “Sirindhorn Lecture,” titled “Emotion and the Good Life in Confucian Philosophy,” after which Asst. Prof. Dr. Thon presented a commemorative gift. Dr. Surakiart expressed gratitude on behalf of the university council, and Prof. Dr. Wilert delivered a report. The lecture was then delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thon on “Sea Turtle Conservation at Koh Man Nai.” 

After the lecture concluded, Prof. Dr. Wilert requested royal permission to express thanks to the speaker. Her Royal Highness then presented a token of appreciation to Asst. Prof. Dr. Thon. 

In summary, the lecture highlighted the fact that global warming is currently having widespread impacts, with many potential consequences expected within the next 5–10 years. These include risks affecting Thailand’s ecosystems, such as coral bleaching and the decline of seagrass, which in turn affect rare marine animals like dugongs and sea turtles. 

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother had long shown great interest in nature conservation. Over 40 years ago, she initiated a royal project on sea turtle conservation, designating Koh Man Nai in Rayong Province as a center for conservation and breeding. She also granted support for obtaining breeding stock from the Department of Fisheries to expand conservation efforts. 

The sea turtle conservation project at Koh Man Nai focuses on biological research, conservation, and increasing turtle populations through breeding and release into the natural environment. The project has been highly successful—not only breeding sea turtles but also conducting research on coral species, reef growth, conservation and restoration, and other rare marine animals. It includes large rehabilitation ponds for injured turtles, such as those that have lost limbs due to marine debris. The site has also been developed into a sustainable energy conservation center powered entirely by solar energy. 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat currently serves as Deputy Dean for Special Affairs at the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, and as a lecturer in marine science. He is widely recognized as an expert in marine ecology and a leading marine scientist advocating practical marine conservation. His expertise includes coastal and marine ecology, rare species, marine resource management, marine tourism, climate change, and marine debris, with numerous academic works and research projects related to environmental issues.

The “Sirindhorn Lecture Series” is organized by Chulalongkorn University in order to fulfill the objectives of the university’s fund established in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The initiative aims to promote education and research related to Thai civilization and culture, support the publication of valuable academic works, and host lectures by distinguished experts in fields of royal interest. Her Royal Highness serves as Honorary Advisor to the fund’s executive committee and regularly attends these lectures. The lectures are also published afterward. 

For the lecture series, the committee invites distinguished scholars from various fields. The first “Sirindhorn Lecture” was delivered by Her Royal Highness herself on the topic “Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram” on March 26, 1982. The 35th lecture, titled “Emotion and the Good Life in Confucian Philosophy,” by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Suwanna Satha-Anand, was held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Room 111, Maha Chulalongkorn Building.