NSM Hosts the 4th International Symposium on Natural History Museum: Era of Ecological Restoration in Thailand

NSM Hosts the 4^th International Symposium on Natural History Museum: Era of Ecological Restoration in Thailand

The 4^th International Symposium on Natural History Museum: Era of Ecosystem Restoration held by National Science Museum Thailand (NSM) in an association with the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, from 21 to 22 December, 2023 at Sang Duen-Sang Tien room, RAMA 9 Museum, NSM, Khlong 5, Pathum Thani.  The symposium aims to promote exchanging academic services, leverage scientific knowledge management, and build a network of collaborations in research and science communication between various institutions domestically and internationally. The results of symposium led to the sustainability of developing, dissemination, and preserving natural science knowledge. 

Ms. Sunee Lertpienthum, chief, general inspector, MHESI said “MHESI has emphasized on disseminating of knowledge and promoting various research frameworks. This symposium held under close collaboration from many stakeholders as a platform for researchers and agencies to join and share their progress of natural sciences as well as creating alliances in knowledge information management, especially young researchers.  The symposium will be an impetus for Thailand to raise its level of knowledge of natural history researchers to the world class, and the research can be further developed and created more capabilities and strength in various areas of this country in the future.” 

Asst.Prof.Dr. Rawin Raviwongse, NSM President said “NSM’s mission is to be a leading center of research, gathering samples, disseminating knowledge and arranging exhibitions on natural history and biodiversity. In this regard, NSM emphasizes communication and sharing academic information on natural science as well as building a network of natural science researchers. The symposium has been well responded from many sectors, and there are more 150 participants from 10 countries joining to deliver 58 presentations and talks, with 11 groups and 23 poster presentations from 4 countries. 

In the symposium, some young researchers had an opportunity to present their interesting research, such as “Identifying Dinosaur-like Creatures in the Mural Paintings of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha: An Implication to Study Paleontological Knowledge in Thailand” by Saranpat Ouilapan, Heathfield International School, Thailand and “External Morphological Study of Carebara diversa (Jerdon, 1851) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmecinae) from Thailand and Laos” by Sahusphum Boonchuelue, Piboonbumpen Demonstration School, Burapha University, Thailand. The works of those young naturalists reflected the awareness and interest in natural science among Thai youth, and were considered as an important driving force in natural resource work in the future. 

Special talks were also held on December 21, 2023 by “Ma Diao” or Worapot Bunkwamdee, a naturalist who is passionate about listening to sounds of nature, author of website: Praisan: the Power of Natural Soundscapes”, collecting natural sounds from 12 ecosystems throughout Thailand. He gave a talk on the same title of his website. On December 22, Asst.Prof.Dr. Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua, Head of the Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Kasetsart University talked on “Red-headed Vulture: from the past to the future, population recovery in Thailand”. 
He advocates for increased societal awareness regarding the plight of predatory birds, emphasizing the alarming decline in their population. This call to action aims to foster understanding and promote efforts for the restoration, care, and conservation of these birds, ensuring their continued existence in the future.