| Ao Siam National Park | |
| Iucn Category: | II |
| Map: | Thailand |
| Location: | Mae Ramphueng Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, 77140, Thailand |
| Coordinates: | 11.2103°N 99.5232°W |
| Area: | 31.94 km2 (19960.03 rai) |
| Established: | Preparing (open some sources) |
| Governing Body: | Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |
Ao Siam National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวสยาม,, in Thai pronounced as /ʔùt.tʰā.jāːn hɛ̀ŋ tɕʰâːt ʔàːw sā.jǎːm/) is a national park that is preparing to reopen in Thailand. It is an area on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand covering the Pa Klang Ao Forest Park, Mae Ramphueng Forest Park, Koh Talu, Koh Sing, and Koh Sanghk, Bang Saphan District Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Which the three islands are 8 kilometers from the coast, 6 kilometers, and 5 kilometers, respectively. There are also some areas located in the drafting area of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Thailand) regarding environmental protection measures in some areas of Thap Sakae District, Kui Buri District, Sam Roi Yot District, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Bang Saphan District, and Bang Saphan Noi District Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.[1] [2]
1. Pa Klang Ao Forest Park
Most of the area consists of large terrestrial forests with steep mountains and the surrounding area is connected to the sea on three sides. And in the mangrove forest part of the Mae Ramphueng Canal is the part that consists of mud and beach. It has a total area of approximately 4,500 rai.[1]
2. Mae Ramphueng Forest Park
Most of the area is plain with sandy loam, making the topsoil very fertile. As a result, the coastal areas are not flooded in the rainy season. There are also large forests. with an area of approximately 1,200 rai [3]
3. Koh Talu, Koh Sing, and Koh Sanghk
Ao Siam National Park is an island area, partly located next to the Gulf of Thailand, resulting in the influence of the monsoon blowing in from the South China Sea, resulting in a long and heavy rainy season that runs from June–November of every year. It is also influenced by the northeast monsoon that blows in from the Andaman Sea, where the monsoon winds will collide with the Tenasserim Hills, resulting in the winter season from November–February, and the summer season runs from March–May. In which the summer will affect the overall water resources of the Ao Siam National Park, causing the water to be quite dry, therefore, the groundwater has to be drilled to bring the groundwater to be used, but the water quality will look like brackish water cannot be used for consumption.[1] [3]
1. Pa Klang Ao Forest Park area
The plant community in the Pa Klang Ao Forest Park has plant characteristics that appear in the region of Malaysia. There is only one type of forest that is moist evergreen forest, which is detailed as follows: Moist evergreen forest has a sandy loam soil condition, but due to the influence of rainfall from the South China Sea and the Andaman Sea, the Pa Klang Ao Forest Park is moist all year round. The most prominent plant is Dipterocarpus alatus, which is a plant with a height of 30–50 meters. There is also Syzygium grande, Adenanthera pavonina, Aphanamixis Polystachya, Toona ciliata, Pterospermum, Acronychia pedunculata, Knema globularia, Mallotus philippensis, Ixora coccinea, Anaxagorea phaeocarpa, Licuala spinosa, Scleropyrum wallichianum, Uvaria grandiflora, Dracaena angustifolia, Neuropeltis, and Naravelia laurifolia scattered throughout the Pa Klang Ao Forest Park.[2] [3]
2. Mae Ramphueng Forest Park area
The plant community in the Mae Ramphueng Forest Park has characteristics of mixed plants that appear in the Indochina region and the India-Myanmar region. Four types of forest are beach forest, dry evergreen forest, mangrove forest, and peat swamp forest, which is detailed as follows:
3. Koh Talu area
The plant community in the Koh Talu has characteristics of mixed plants that appear in the Indochina region and the Malaysia region. Three types of forest are beach forest, dry evergreen forest, and moist evergreen forest, which is detailed as follows:
From the survey of the biodiversity of animals in the ecological area of Koh Talu, the survey covered beach and forest areas on the island to obtain information on mammals, birds, reptiles and corals. The results are as follows:
From the survey found that there are mammals in the family Pteropodidae is Pteropus hypomelanus and the family Sciuridae is Callosciurus caniceps. At the time of the survey, Callosciurus caniceps could only hear but not see, and the estimated number of Pteropus hypomelanus living on the island, according to survey estimates, was more than 100.[7]
Bird surveys in Koh Talu area found a total of 11 bird species, of which 10 species are endemic and one species is migratory. The survey, which was done in late summer, did not find any migratory birds, which was assumed that these birds may use the island. Thalu is a winter residence.
Birds found in Koh Talu area are as follows:barn swallow (Hirundo rustica),Pacific reef heron (Egretta sacra),Striated heron (Butorides striatus),Red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus),Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis),Greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopacea),Blue rock thrush (Monticola solitaries),Brown-throated sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis),and Olive-backed sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)Black-naped tern (Sterna sumatrana) and Bridled tern (Onychoprion anaethetus).
From bird surveys in the island area In the area of Koh Talu, it was found that the number and species of birds found were less than the Diversity index for the amount found. Which the frequency values found Egretta sacra, Nectarinia jugularis, Anthreptes malacensis, Coracias benghalensis, and Vanellus indicus it is the bird with seen most often.[7] [8]
From the reptiles survey In the area of Koh Talu, all 6 species are found. Reptiles found in the Koh Talu area are as follows:
Oriental garden lizard (Calortes versicolor)Chrysopelea ornate (Chrysopelea ornata)Ptyas carinataCommon house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)and Eutropis multifasciata.
From a single survey, there may be other species that have not yet been seen in this survey. It is also speculated that Cardisoma carnifex may be seen, a type of crab in the Gecarcinidae family that lives on Koh Talu.[4] [7]
From survey data on coral reefs around Koh Talu, Koh Sing and Koh Sangkh, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. A survey of coral reefs in Koh Talu, Koh Sing and Koh Sangkh revealed that the total coral reef area was 538,13 and 21 rai, respectively. It was found that most of the coral reefs at Koh Talu and Koh Sing had moderate levels, but Koh Sangkh has most of the coral reefs at the fertile level. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, which is responsible for managing marine national parks has recognized the importance of conserving important marine resources by declaring it a protected area. which is a breeding ground and habitat for many marine animals especially aquatic animals that are economically important.[2] [9]
1. Mae Ramphueng Forest Park
Mae Ramphueng Forest Park Mae Ramphueng Subdistrict Bang Saphan District Prachuap Khiri Khan Province With an area of approximately 4,483 rai, the Royal Forest Department announced the establishment of a forest park on 16 January 2002. Mae Ramphueng Forest Park is a suitable place to pitch a tent, but if anyone wants comfort there are many resorts. Nearby can choose a resort adjacent to Mae Ramphueng Forest Park or Mae Ramphueng Beach.[4]
2. Mae Ramphueng Beach
Mae Ramphueng Beach is a beautiful and popular beach in Rayong. About 11 kilometers from the city, part of Khao Laem Ya National Park, located 500 meters from the park office, about 6 kilometers from Ban Phe, the white sandy beach. It is considered the longest beach on the eastern coast, with a length of 12 kilometers. scenic walk relax on the beach chair Sit and eat at a restaurant by the sea. If you want to stay overnight, there are many accommodations, resorts, and hotels on the beach to choose from.[4] [10] Mae Ramphueng beach shoreline faced severe Oil spill after the oil from Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited operated underwater pipeline leaked and washed on the beach.The beach was declared as disaster area followed by the incident.[11]
3. Pa Klang Ao Forest Park
Pa Klang Ao Forest Park is located in the forest in the middle of the bay. Village No. 6, Mae Ramphueng Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District Prachuap Khiri Khan Province with an area of approximately 1,200 rai. By Pa Klang Ao Forest Park there are no lodges or camps available to tourists. If tourists wish to stay overnight, relax, or study for knowledge of nature Please bring your tent and prepare your food. By the way, the forest park has provided a place with toilets. To request permission to use the place directly with the staff at Pa Klang Ao Forest Park.[12]
4. Koh Talu
Koh Talu, Bang Saphan Noi District Prachuap Khiri Khan Province With an area of approximately 1,500 rai with white sandy beaches, which is the island where Eretmochelys imbricata spawns every year during May–October. It is also a snorkeling site with much beautiful fish and a wide variety of corals. Suitable for nature lovers who enjoy snorkeling. It is an area with resorts, sandy beaches, and shady coconut trees to the east. Facing the sea, the distinctive symbol of Koh Talu is the Talu channel, which looks like a large hole through it. The two sides are hidden beneath the cliffs like stone bridges formed by wind erosion for thousands of years. Koh Talu can travel all year round, but the best season is from February–May.[6] [13] There are also three interesting bays on Koh Talu as follows:
Access to the Ao Siam National Park area will be divided into 2 areas as follows:
1. Mae Ramphueng Forest Park and Pa Klang Ao Forest Park
2. Koh Talu, Koh Sing, and Koh Sangkhae