Thailand

[Markus]

Hello All,

This is Markus from Golden Buddha in Thailand. It’s now the low/ rainy season here so not much diving going on in the Andaman Sea. But the good news is that we are building awareness about Ecocean with the major dive shops in the area. I personally visited with all the dive shops in Khao Lak and the overwhelming response was very positive. Laminated info card about Ecocean and the best way to photograph Whale Sharks have been liberally distributed through out our area and my goal is to have one on every dive boat in the Andaman Sea for next season.

[Steve Fox]

Hi

That is fantastic news, and may I congratulate you on a good job, it will be great to have the diveshops there working together, and entering information.

[Markus]

Thanks Steve,

We at Golden Buddha Beach Resort are spearheading the effort, but indeed the involvement with all the dive shops will really help in generating the numbers and photos that we need to be effective. Wicked Diving in Khao Lak, Thailand has really taken a leadership role, as well. We are partnering with them to organize diving trips for the specific purpose of photographing Whale Sharks to submit to your database. Exciting stuff! I’ll keep you and Brad posted as to our progress.

[Steve Fox]

Hi

Ha Ha I wish it was my database, if I was only clever enough to come up with something like this LOL, all the credit needs to go to Brad, Jason and Zaven.

I am just like yourself we enter photos into the database but I have been with Ecocean for a long time now, you will find that they are always there to help and assist with any problems you have.

MMMM sounds like I should get my butt to Thailand LOL, is someone from your area going to the International Whale Shark Conference in Mexico?

[Markus]

Steve,

You definitely should come to Thailand and participate in our programme. Brad stayed with us at Golden Buddha Beach Resort in February as an honoured guest and consultant. The Bangkok Post (Thailand’s largest English language newspaper) ran a front page story on his visit. We have really put together a world class programme here. Participants have to get their own flight, but after that we take care of every single detail (transportation, meals, villa at our resort). This programme is really special for us and was designed for divers/conversationalists like you. If you want to know some more details check out this link: http://www.goldenbuddharesort.com/whale_shark_exploration.html
It really would be great if you could make it. I wish that I could make it to Isla Holbox, but the end of August is when we start gearing up for the upcoming high season.

[Steve Fox]

Hi

I would be very interested to come there, when is your main Whale Shark season ??

[Markus]

Steve, that’s great news! Towards the end of March is probably the best time.

[Steve Fox]

Hi Again

I would love to arrange it but it seems as if your Whale SHark season is the same as ours, let me see what is happening nearer the time and what we can arrange, I really would love to make it out there.

[Markus]

Steve,

It looks like you have a great Whale Shark programme too. Both of our programmes are really in the spirit of education, conservation, and discovery. We’d love for you to come visit Golden Buddha if you can find the time.