Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast is facing an underwater emergency as marine ecosystems collapse under record-breaking sea temperatures. Scientists warn that coral bleaching—a visible sign of climate stress—has turned once-vibrant reefs ghostly white, threatening biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. 🌡️
A ‘Global Boiling’ Warning 🔥
‘I couldn’t find a single healthy coral,’ said marine biologist Lalita Putchim after diving in the Trat archipelago, where 30% of reefs have bleached and 5% died. Water temperatures hit a scorching 33°C this month, pushing marine life to its limits. ‘It’s global boiling, not just warming,’ she stressed.
Empty Nets, Empty Stomachs 🎣
Fishermen like Sommay Singsura are feeling the heat. Once earning $275 daily, he now returns empty-handed. ‘The weather isn’t like before,’ he says, as fish stocks vanish. Coral reefs aren’t just ecosystems—they’re natural coastal shields and food sources. Their decline could spike seafood prices, warns marine expert Sarawut Siriwong.
What’s Next? 🌏
Without cooler waters, Thailand’s ‘blue economy’ risks collapse. For young climate advocates, this crisis is a wake-up call: healthy oceans = food security + stable incomes. Let’s keep the conversation flowing—before the reefs fade to white. 💬
