Thailand-China Joint Laboratory for Climate and Marine Ecosystem Deploys Oceanographic and Meteorological Buoys in the Andaman Sea

From February 21–25, 2025, and February 28–March 3, 2025, the Thailand-China Joint Laboratory for Climate and Marine Ecosystem, in collaboration with Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) Center and the First Institute of Oceanography of the People's Republic of China, conducted a joint marine research operation in the Andaman Sea. The mission was carried out aboard the Chakratong Tongyai, a deep-sea research vessel operated by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).

The primary objective was to deploy offshore oceanographic buoys to study physical oceanographic processes and monitor weather conditions in the Andaman Sea. This activity is part of the Ocean Forecasting and Marine Disaster Mitigation System of Southeast Asia Seas project.

In addition, the team collected seawater samples to monitor microplastic pollution in offshore waters. This operation aims to enhance understanding of deep-sea oceanographic processes, examine the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems, and support the development of ocean forecasting systems in the future.