1996-2004: Sea Turtle Conservation Project
The project was set up in August 1996, when a group of an Italian organization explored the island as sea turtle nesting site in the Andaman Sea.
A collaboration with a Thai Governmental organization was set up in order to establish a long term conservation effort.
Naucrates has been working since then, with Phuket Marine Biological Center, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), under a research Visa issued on a periodical basis by National Research Council Thailand (NRCT).
Since the beginning Naucrates based the conservation efforts on scientific research, while building capacity in the local community and awareness among tourists.
The project was hit by the tsunami of the 26 December 2024
On 26th December 2004, the project base was completely washed away by a tsunami. Our little museum, the volunteer huts, the instruments, the turtle tank, etc. were lost to the Andaman Sea. However, this is a material loss and nowhere near comparable to the loss of two members of the Naucrates team, Lisa and Rebecca, who were working on the island that day.
For a couple of years, Golden Buddha Beach Resort offered Naucrates a base for field operations, in 2008, the project base was moved to Lions village (previously Pak Chok), which was rebuilt after the tsunami.
Two houses were assigned to Naucrates in the village and these have been used as staff accommodation, office, kitchen and storage.
Participants stayed in the local homestays.
A Conservation Community Center (CCC) was set up using two other houses in the village.
The Center includes a display room of natural resources and community traditions and a meeting area. The CCC aims to provide information about the island flora and fauna, likewise about the people and their traditions.
20 years Tsunami Anniversary Celebration
On 26 December 2024, Naucrates Team met on the island and joined the local ceremony of Tsunami Memorial, being involved with the loss of two volunteers and many local friends.
2012 – 2026 Project Location
Since 2012 the project base is at a local bungalow/tents situated almost on the beach EcoHorizon (Beloved – Horizon Eco Resort for You at Ko Phra Thong) and at Rakkan beach bungalows.
Accommodation is basic, either in single, double or triple rooms. You might have to share room with other volunteers.
The project is mainly working towards the conservation of natural resources of the island, collecting information and applying conservation strategies; at the same time, the project works on developing capabilities in the local community, providing training and support. Therefore, we feel it is important to support the local businesses and enhance their capabilities to do proper eco-tourism.
Volunteers and interns that join us help with the practical work and by bringing different skills and knowledge gear the project to improved version of itself.
The economic contributions of participants are a big part of the financing of the project activities as Naucrates has not received any governmental money or large grants.
