“Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art Project

“Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art Project at Koh Tao in Surat Thani province has been developed as artificial reefs and a new diving site to support ecosystem restoration, enhance marine biodiversity, promote eco-tourism, and strengthen local livelihoods.

The “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art features nine sculptures of rare marine animals, including Giant Manta Ray, Blue-Spotted Stingray, Sea Turtle Family, Seahorse, Whale Shark, Eagle Ray, Turtle Arch, Blacktip Reef Shark, and Bowmouth Guitarfish (Ronan). Each sculpture stands approximately 2.5 meters tall. The project includes 93 artificial reef structures, consisting of newly designed Coral Balls and dome-shaped artificial reefs, with an average height of 1–1.5 meters. All structures are made from durable materials specifically designed for artificial reefs, resistant to seawater corrosion and environmentally friendly, providing a safe habitat for marine life. The sculptures and reef structures will be placed at Buoyancy World, a well-known diving training site at Koh Tao, located about 100 meters from the shoreline at a depth of approximately 16 meters, covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters. The first sculpture was placed on 30 March 2026, and the “Ocean for Life” Underwater Sculptures of Art at Koh Tao has been open to divers since mid-April 2026.

This project is a collaboration between PTTEP, DMCR, Kasetsart University, Silpakorn University, the Koh Tao Tourism Association, the Save Koh Tao Club, and the local community. The project aims to develop artificial reef habitats while promoting sustainable tourism. Prior to the placement, PTTEP worked with experts for more than one year to study and design the site layout. The process included sculpture design, ocean current analysis, navigation safety considerations, and the selection of environmentally friendly materials to ensure no adverse impact on marine ecosystems. After installation, continuous monitoring will be conducted to assess ecosystem recovery, marine population growth, and biodiversity in the area.