First Disbursement of Funds from Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation has announced its first fund disbursement since its inception in March, 2002.

During it's grand opening celebrations in March 2002. JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa launched the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation with an initial donation of US$45,000 (2 million baht).

The resort is located on Mai Khao Beach, the longest beach in Phuket, and enjoys seventeen kilometers of undeveloped beachfront, adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park and protected sea turtle nesting area.

The resort raises funds for the Foundation and also gains awareness on an international and national level about the plight of these magnificent reptiles and the wonderful work done by the local Mai Khao villagers who have been protecting the turtles for many years, particularly the giant leatherback turtle which is now critically endangered. 

A representative of WWF Thailand also sits as an advisor on the fundraising and disbursement committees.

Funds from the first disbursement are to the following organizations.

- Phuket Provincial Fishery Department for educational program for schools

- Mai Khao Sea Turtle Conservations Fund - provision of walkie talkies, t-shirts and flash lights during nesting season)

- Naucrates Conservation Project - for education program for schools to be held during next nesting.