PHANG NGA (NNT) – Marine resources conservation efforts have paid off in Phang Nga, where divers have found a 5-meter long Manta Ray in the sea close to an island in Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga, a rare discovery which brought joy to those who witnessed it.

A scuba diving guide Somporn Kaewmaneechoti has told reporters that the manta ray was found in the morning while he was taking tourists out to dive at a spot close to Ta Chai Island, located within the Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga. A manta ray, about 4-5 meters long, was found 18 meters below the surface and was swimming around for a while before disappearing.He said the divers and he were thrilled and glad to witness the appearance of such a rare marine animal.

Mu Ko Similan National Park Chief, Ruamsilp Manajongprasert said marine resources in the area have recovered after the Department of National Park, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation decreed a ban in 2016 preventing tourists from visiting Ko Ta Chai Island, urging villagers to reduce plastic waste, and encouraging villagers and tourists to clean up marine debris.

He said these efforts have led to a lower fatality rate among marine animals ingesting marine debris, and has allowed coral to recover. Since the opening of Ko Ta Chai to tourists again this year, there have been more frequent sightings of rare iconic sea animals such as dolphins, whale sharks, shark rays, and manta rays in the area.

In Rayong, tourists and villagers have spotted three dolphins swimming close to Sri Ban Phe pier. Many people have taken pictures of them using their phones out of delight. Local people said dolphins were spotted in the area in the past along the route to Ko Samet Island, but their appearance close to the shore is a sign of recovered marine resources.

An official from Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park said today those three dolphins are likely to be bottlenose dolphins, a sea mammal with navy-ish and grey skin with pink hue on their belly. They can be identified by their large but rather short snout, rather large and curvy fin in the middle of its back, and a rather chubby body. A fully grown bottlenose dolphin’s length is usually 2-3 meters.

The official said bottlenose dolphins usually stay with their school, suspecting that these three dolphins could be lost and should be led back to the deep sea.

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BANGKOK (NNT) – People in Bangkok are advised to wear protective masks to prevent inhalation of dust when going outside today (Nov 13), as the level of PM2.5 has again exceeded the safe threshold in several areas of the city.

According to the Air Quality and Noise Management Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and less in diameter (PM2.5) measured 40 to 66 micrograms per cubic meter in Bangkok this morning. The levels of PM2.5 exceeded the safe threshold of 52 micrograms per cubic meter in 16 districts, namely Pathum Wan, Samphanthawong, Wang Thonglang, Din Daeng, Bang Kho Laem, Yan Nawa, Khlong San, Bangkok Noi, Phasi Charoen, Bang Khen, Bang Phlat, Bang Khun Thian, Sathorn, Khlong Toei, Bang Sue and Lak Si.

With the BMA launching the Dust-Free City campaign, the BMA Permanent Secretary, Silapasuay Raweesaengsoon, has ordered relevant agencies to conduct inspections of vehicles emitting black smoke, help maintain car engines, urge motorists to turn off their engines after parking and avoid using vehicles with diesel engines. Garbage trucks have been instructed to collect all garbage before 4 a.m. every day to ease traffic congestion during rush hours, while state-owned vehicles must undergo an inspection and maintenance every six months.

In the long run, the authorities plan to improve emission standards as well as fuel quality, enhance the public transport network and encourage the general public to use public transport instead of personal vehicles and increase the number of green areas in the capital. The measures will be part of the action plan to tackle air pollution, which is high on the national agenda.

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