The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is accelerating efforts to promote "Phu Khao Thong" in Phatthalung Province, an important fossil site, into a global learning center that also generates income for the community.
On 4 April 2026, Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, continued to push forward the policy to conserve fossil sites across Thailand. He assigned the Department of Mineral Resources to expedite concrete actions to elevate the country’s learning sites to an international level. Dr. Rawiwat Phuridet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, closely oversaw the policy implementation.
On 3 April 2026, Mr. Yongyut Nakviroj, Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, along with his team, visited the "Phu Khao Thong Geopark" in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province, to monitor conservation progress and encourage the staff. Currently, they are developing the Phu Khao Thong fossil learning center to serve as an educational resource for the public and tourists.
Phu Khao Thong is recognized as a globally important fossil site due to the discovery of ancient marine reptile fossils called "ichthyosaurs," dating back approximately 250 million years. This makes it the oldest and only site of its kind in Thailand.
The development of this geopark is a collaboration between the Department of Mineral Resources and Makok Nuea Subdistrict Municipality to raise public awareness of geological resources and to promote educational tourism.
However, fossil conservation is not only about preserving national heritage; it can also be leveraged to create tourist attractions that generate income for local communities and help drive sustainable growth of the grassroots economy in the long term.