Thailand’s dugongs in danger of extinction -- confronting a crisis

Over the past few years, an environmental crisis has been unfolding in Thailand  with an alarming number of dugongs washing up dead.

In 2024, 42 dead dugongs were retrieved from Thailand’s shores, and some experts believe there may be fewer than 120 left alive in Thai waters. Scientists say the animals are starving due to a massive die-off of seagrass, their only source of food.  

Join us to watch Payuun: Thailand's Last Dugongs, produced by Mailee Osten-Tan and Nicolas Axelrod, which follows the efforts of Theerasak 'Pop' Saksritawee, a conservation influencer who is using his voice, and his social media platforms, to sound the alarm and call for urgent action.

After the documentary, which is published by the Guardian Documentaries and supported by the Pulitzer Centre, there be a panel discussion about the film’s production, why the seagrass is disappearing, and what urgently needs to be done to save Thailand's last dugongs.

The panel will feature:

Theerasak 'Pop' Saksritawee, environmental activist and the film’s protagonist.

Mailee Osten-Tan, producer, Payun: Thailand’s Last Dugongs.

Assistant Professor Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist and lecturer at Kasetsart University.

Moderator, Rebecca Ratcliffe, Southeast Asia correspondent, The Guardian, and FCCT board member

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Members who wish to book in advance should email info@fccthai.com or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.

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Non-members can use this link.