PAKBARA PARADISO IN PERIL

Over the weekend, we went to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) to check out the Pakbara Paradiso exhibit. The exhibit featured photographs of the communities, livelihoods and ecosystems under threat by a deep sea port construction project planned for Thailand's southern Satun province.

The photos conveyed sleepy fishing villages, with communities deeply connected to the land and sea they rely on for their food security and income. They also showcased crystal clear waters and phenomenal marine life, including richly hued coral, that will be displaced or lost once construction of the Pak Bara port is complete.

A lecturer from a local university told us that when the proposal for the deep sea port was originally conceived several years ago, it was to increase Thailand's regional competitiveness. However, there are now several deep sea ports in Southeast Asia that renders the data the proposal is based on invalid. He lamented, "The government is not thinking about the long-term."

Near the intended port are the Tarutao and Petra Marine National Parks which attract increasing numbers of eco-tourists annually. Tarutao Marine Park is estimated to be home to a quarter of the world's tropical fish species. As noted in the Bangkok Post, "The plan for the seaport requires authorities to remove 4,734 rai (1,800 acres) from the Petra Marine National Park. The area around Tarutao Marine National Park - including up-and-coming tourist magnets such as Koh Lipe...will be an area for oil and cargo liners."

A science teacher from a local school in Satun was eager to show us the photos of the neon colored coral and vibrant marine life in his province. He explained that there were even fossils dating back to the Paleolithic era around the area where the seaport will be constructed. In typical Thai style, he delivered bad news with a chuckle, "If you have never been, you must visit Satun and see the coral. It may be gone soon!"

As a predominantly Buddhist country, the concept of impermanence is deeply ingrained in Thai society. Nothing lasts forever, all will change. While this may be true, many know there are smarter, more sustainable ways of bringing about positive changes in both the short- and long-term. The longer we continue orienting our idea of development around economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness, the more we are telling younger generations that traditional ways of life, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation are not priorities.

"This land is your land and this land is my land, sure, but the world is run by those 

that never listen to music anyway" - Bob Dylan

(Photos by photographers at the Pakbara Paradiso exhibit; woodcut print by an artist at the exhibit)