The ceremony was held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port yesterday (Mar 26), with Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn presiding over the transfer of the ‘Hanuman Nimit Kai’ sculpture from Rotary International partners to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
Teunjai Phanthon, Chief of the Racha Islands Protected Area Management Center, confirmed that the handover clears the way for installation to begin tomorrow (Mar 28), with completion expected by Sunday (Mar 29).
The sculpture will be installed in Siam Bay off Koh Racha Yai and forms part of the ‘Magical of Save Underwater World’ project, which aims to restore marine ecosystems by combining art, culture and environmental science.
Designed as more than a visual attraction, the structure will function as an artificial reef and coral nursery. Its surface has been engineered to encourage natural coral attachment, helping expand reef areas, restore biodiversity and provide habitat for marine life.
The ‘Hanuman Nimit Kai’ series draws inspiration from characters in the Ramakien epic, including Hanuman, Rama, Ravana and Suphannamatcha, transforming elements of Thai literature into functional underwater installations.
The project is a collaboration between the DMCR and Rotary International networks, with funding of more than B5 million raised by 16 Rotary clubs in District 3330 in Thailand, alongside partner clubs in South Korea’s District 3600.
Officials and representatives from multiple sectors attended the ceremony, including government agencies, private organisations and civil society groups. Support was also provided by the Royal Thai Navy and local stakeholders.
Project organisers said the initiative is intended to serve as a model for sustainable marine conservation by integrating creative design with ecological restoration, while also promoting ecotourism.
Once installed, the sculptures are expected to enhance underwater biodiversity in the area while creating a new attraction for divers, contributing to Phuket’s long-term goal of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection.