DMCR checks progress of Racha Yai underwater sculpture reef

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is checking the engineering and environmental suitability of new underwater sculptures planned for an artificial reef and diving site off Racha Yai in Phuket.

DMCR chief Dr Pinsak Suraswadi visited the sculpture construction site in Pa Khlok on 7 September with senior officials, including the director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 10 and the director of the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center.

The next sculptures include depictions of Rama, Ravana and Suphannamatcha. Dr Pinsak said the department was examining sea conditions, currents and the suitability of the installation area to ensure the structures are stable and safe and do not negatively affect the marine environment.

The project is located at Siam Bay off Racha Yai and depicts scenes from the Ramayana episode “Jong Thanon”, in which rocks are used to build a bridge across the sea. Planned works include Thotsakan, standing 6 metres high and 8 metres wide; Rama, standing 5.5 metres high on an archway no more than 6 metres high; Suphannamatcha, standing 4.5 metres high; and Kon Thanon.

The sculptures are being made from environmentally friendly materials intended to allow coral larvae to attach to their surfaces and develop into habitats for marine life. The DMCR said the site could also help reduce pressure on natural coral reefs from divers visiting existing sites.

The first major sculpture, Hanuman Nimit Kai, was installed off Racha Yai earlier this year. Strong currents during the southwest monsoon damaged it, after which it was removed for repairs and reinstalled. It has been accessible to divers since early August.

The remaining sculptures are expected to be completed in September, with installation planned for early 2027 after the southern monsoon season. The DMCR said it would continue monitoring the project and co-operating with other agencies involved in installing and managing the site.