About us
History
The Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) was established under a bilateral agreement between the governments of Thailand and Denmark after the 5th Thai-Danish Expedition in the Andaman Sea area off the coast of Thailand in 1966. The first bilateral agreement (for 5 years) was signed by the governments of Thailand and Denmark on October 16th, 1968. This was followed by a 2nd agreement (for 4 year), and then a 3nd agreement which ended in 1983 with a reduced contribution from the Danish government. The latest 5 year cooperation between the two governments was issued for 1996-2000. The Center was transferred from Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in accordance with the Thai government agency reform of October 3rd, 2002.
Objectives
The main objectives of PMBC are to carry out research on marine and coastal resources in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, and to educate younger generation and public regarding the importance of sustainable uses of natural resources.
The studies include systematic and ecological studies, oceanography, and marine pollution with emphasis in mangrove, seagrass bed, and coral reef ecosystems.
Reference Collection and Phuket Aquarium support education and raise public awareness of the need for conservation and the sustainable use of resources by encouraging public participation and networking.
The Center
The PMBC is located at the southern end of Phuket Island on the promontory called Laem Panwa about 10 km from the heart of Phuket town. The Center can be reached either by local bus called "song taew" meaning a bus with two rows of seats from town (approx. 15 Baht) or by local taxis (tuk-tuk, about 100-150 Baht depending on negotiation.
