Thai Research Team Reaches Antarctica, Finds Alarming Increase in Ice Melt Levels Due to Global Warming 

A Thai research team, part of the Royal Polar Research Project, has arrived at the Great Wall Station in Antarctica, uncovering significant ice melt compared to previous years—a stark indicator of climate change’s accelerating effects. 

This expedition, conducted under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and supported by the Information Technology Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aims to study the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. Upon arrival, the team immediately began collecting sediment samples, revealing a surprising increase in ice melt compared to past expeditions. 

This year, three researchers from Chulalongkorn University and Burapha University, along with a photographer, joined the 41st Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 41), organized by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC). They reached Antarctica in late January and began studying the effects of marine debris, microplastics, and climate change on marine life and ecosystems. Over the past two days, the team has collected soil samples, seal and penguin droppings, and conducted air pollution measurements in the region. 

Preliminary findings show that ice in many parts of Antarctica has melted significantly compared to 11 years ago when the Thai team last conducted research in the area. However, air quality measurements indicate that the Antarctic atmosphere remains much purer than in other parts of the world.

Professor Dr. Suchana Chavanich, from the Department of Marine Science at Chulalongkorn University and Deputy Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute, shared her insights on the findings. “We anticipated that global warming would have a significant impact on the ice and snow here, but witnessing the extent of ice loss firsthand was still shocking. Even when it snowed during our stay, the snow melted almost immediately upon reaching the ground, indicating that temperatures in Antarctica are higher than usual.” 

She further explained that the team would continue collecting penguin and seal droppings to measure pollution levels and analyze microorganisms present in the waste, aiming to determine how these animals are being affected by global warming.

Joining Professor Dr. Suchana on this research mission are Assistant Professor Dr. Sujaree Bureekul from Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Nipat Pinpradab from Burapha University, and Mr. Pakinai Yimcharoen, a photographer from Siam Sopa. In addition to conducting scientific research, the team is also documenting their findings through photos and videos, which will contribute to a book and documentary about Thailand’s polar research efforts. 

This expedition holds special significance as it coincides with the 70th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2025 and also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. 

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