Phuket Aquarium
& Marine Biological Research Centre
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.
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. 20 Baht) or by local taxis
(tuk-tuk),
about 100-200 Baht depending on negotiation. It covers an area of 8.4 hectares.
The main objective of the PMBC is to carry out research on and assess abundance of the marine and coastal flora
and fauna in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Ecological and systematic studies in connection with oceanography
and pollution in mangroves, sea grass beds, and coral reefs should lead to the development of new technologies applicable
to effective resource management.
The reference collection and data base processing support education and raise awareness of the need for conservation
and the sustainable use of resources by encouraging public participation and networking. In addition, stronger local
and international co-operation will increase the productivity of the Center.
Marine and Costal Resource Exploration
This unit is responsible for investigation of marine and coastal resources to yield information on size, abundance, and
distribution of various species. Changes of species composition and abundance of marine and coastal resources are monitored.
Research and development of technologies to support the rehabilitation of damaged coastal habitats are also pursued.
Marine Biology and Ecology
This unit carries out research in coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, estuaries, sea grass beds, and various types of beaches.
Research on the population dynamics, the interrelationships between species and the environmental factors which affect them,
is used to evaluate the importance of these ecosystems to the overall richness of marine living resources. Also,
the impact of human activities on the coastal ecosystem is monitored and the rehabilitation of degraded resources
is also investigated.
Phuket Aquarium
Marine and Costal Resource Production and Assessment
This unit investigates the community structure of the marine and coastal resources. Assessment of the status of resources
and the changes in various types of marine pelagic and benthic organisms, food chains, and harmful algal blooms
such as the red tide phenomena, is a goal of this unit. Laboratory experiments on enhancing production are also carried out.
Reference Collection and Aquarium
This unit conducts research on taxonomy, systematic, phylogeny, and genetic biodiversity of marine and coastal resources
collected from various habitats. An organized stock of specimens as references for local and international researchers
is maintained. Life history and behavior of captive marine organisms are studied. Breeding of rare and vulnerable
species for aquarium purpose are developed. Public awareness of resource conservation.
Marine Endangered Species
The objectives of this unit are to study the distribution, biology and population characteristics of endangered and threatened
marine species, especially sea turtles, dugongs, and whales, in the Andaman Sea. The biology, community structure, population
genetics, and habitat preference are studied. The unit also communicates new information concerning these species to increase
public awareness of the need for conservation.
Oceanography and Environment
The unit undertakes environmental research into physical, chemical, biological parameters as well as the problem
of marine pollution. Study area includes the coastal zone, estuaries and offshore waters of the Andaman Sea.
Coastal waters are monitored, and toxicity bioassays on the effects of pollutants on marine organisms are conducted. The
biological oceanography of important pelagic fish resources in the Andaman Sea is under investigation.
Administration
PMBC Location Map
The unit is responsible for administrative work supporting the whole center. The duties include documentation, accounting,
personnel, security, public utilities, as well as providing service to and maintenance of facilities. The unit also organizes
the activities associated with courses and makes arrangements for workshops. The library and research vessels (R/V Chakratong
Tongyai and R/V Boonlert Phasuk) are included in this unit.
Address: Phuket Aquarium
Cape Panwa, 51 Sakdidech Rd. Phuket 83000,
Tel: 0 7639 1126, Fax: 0 7639 1406
E-mail: pmbc@phuketinternet.co.th
website: www.pmbc.go.th, www.phuketaquarium.org
Opening Hours
between 08.30 a.m. - 04.00 p.m. daily
Admission fee (subject to change)
- Thai adults 50 Baht, Thai children 20 Baht
- Foreign adults 100 Baht, foreign children 50 Baht
- Free for children less than 108 cm. tall
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