Where Science
Meets theLiving Ocean
A world-class centre for marine conservation fieldwork, hospitality training, and transformative educational experiences — set on an extraordinary coastline in Southern Thailand.
Education & Conservation in Southern Thailand
The Andaman Institute for Education and Conservation (Andaman IEC) brings together the scientific infrastructure of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) with the extraordinary natural environment of Trang Province — creating a genuine field research and learning centre for students, volunteers, universities, and short-stay visitors.
Programmes & Experiences
Marine ConservationPhoto: Andaman IECMarine Conservation
Hands-on fieldwork in coral reef monitoring, seagrass mapping, and marine biodiversity surveys alongside RUTS marine science faculty.
Volunteer ExpeditionsPhoto: Andaman IECVolunteer Expeditions
Join structured conservation volunteering programs supporting coral restoration, beach cleanups, and community marine education initiatives.
University Field StudiesPhoto: Andaman IECUniversity Field Studies
Accredited field study modules for international university departments — marine biology, environmental science, ecology — using RUTS research infrastructure.
Cultural ImmersionPhoto: Andaman IECCultural Immersion
Community-based stays experiencing southern Thai fishing culture, traditional crafts, local cuisine preparation, and cultural exchanges with Trang communities.
Hospitality ManagementPhoto: Andaman IECHospitality Management
Professional hospitality training covering eco-resort operations, sustainable tourism management, guest services, and Thai service culture — with real placements at partner resorts.
Dive Professional TrainingTemporary web photo — licence requiredDive Professional Training
PADI and SSI dive instructor pathways combined with marine science knowledge — training the next generation of dive professionals with genuine conservation credentials.
English Language ProgrammesTemporary web photo — licence requiredEnglish Language Programmes
English language courses designed for Thai hospitality professionals and students — from conversational English to IELTS preparation and professional communication.
A University Campus Built for the Field
Andaman IEC is anchored within the RUTS university campus — giving participants genuine access to research-grade facilities alongside extraordinary natural environments.
Research Laboratories
Microplastic analysis, biological sampling, and experimental systems for marine science fieldwork.
Commercial Aquarium
A fully operational public aquarium showcasing the marine biodiversity of Southern Thailand.
Marine Animal Hospital
Active rehabilitation and treatment for marine species — with hands-on learning opportunities.
Propagation Tanks
Extensive coral and sea grass cultivation systems for active restoration programmes.
On the TAT Roadmap toward Nature Positive Island 2030
Koh Ngai is on the TAT national roadmap as a Nature Positive Island by 2030 — with biodiversity surveys, carbon baseline assessment, and OECM designation milestones already underway. This unique environmental status makes Andaman IEC a rare destination for academics, research institutions, and environmentally-conscious programme partners seeking genuine conservation credentials.
Partner with Koh Ngai →Weekend Escapes
From midday Friday to Sunday evening, curated regional escapes open up the wider wonders of Southern Thailand — bookable as part of any weekly programme stay.
Enquire About Escapes
Temporary web photo — licence requiredPhi Phi Islands
Iconic limestone karsts, crystal-clear waters, and world-famous snorkelling. A classic Andaman day trip or overnight experience.
~2hr by speedboat
Temporary web photo — licence requiredKoh Ngai
On the TAT roadmap toward Nature Positive Island 2030. Pristine reefs, seagrass meadows, and dugong habitat. Our base island and conservation focus.
~30min by longtail
Temporary web photo — licence requiredKoh Kradan
White-sand paradise famous for the underwater wedding ceremony. A coral-rich marine park island with spectacular snorkelling.
~45min by longtail
Temporary web photo — licence requiredKhao Sok National Park
Ancient rainforest older than the Amazon. Lake houses, jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and limestone cave exploration.
~3hr drive
Temporary web photo — licence requiredKoh Lipe
The "Maldives of Thailand". Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back island atmosphere in the Tarutao National Marine Park.
~4hr by speedboat
Temporary web photo — licence requiredTrang Mountains & Waterfalls
Emerald pools, hot springs, and jungle waterfalls in the mountainous interior of Trang Province. A refreshing change from coastal activities.
~1hr drive
Temporary web photo — licence requiredAo Nang & Railay Beach
Krabi's iconic limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing, and stunning beaches. A popular weekend escape with boat access to Railay Bay.
~2hr driveResearch-Grade Facilities
Every Andaman IEC programme is grounded in access to genuine university-level infrastructure — not replica or simulation, but the real working tools of marine science.
Temporary web photo — licence requiredMarine Science Laboratory
RUTS university-standard wet and dry labs with microscopy, water quality analysis equipment, and specimen preparation facilities.
Enquire →
Temporary web photo — licence requiredCoral Propagation Nursery
On-site and in-water coral nursery systems for hands-on reef restoration projects and coral fragment propagation research.
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Photo: Andaman IECAquaculture & Hatchery
RUTS aquaculture centre with marine hatchery facilities, sustainable fish farming research, and aquatic species breeding programmes.
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Photo: Andaman IECTurtle Rehabilitation Centre
Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility with veterinary support, turtle health monitoring, and public education displays.
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Temporary web photo — licence requiredResearch Vessel & Dive Boat
Dedicated research vessel for marine surveys, coral monitoring transects, and dive operations around the Trang islands and Andaman coast.
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Photo: Andaman IECClassroom & Conference Centre
Air-conditioned lecture halls, seminar rooms, and multimedia-equipped classrooms for academic workshops, presentations, and training sessions.
Enquire →“Southern Thailand’s coast is one of the most significant marine conservation environments in Southeast Asia. Being able to study and contribute here, with real laboratory infrastructure behind you, changes what’s possible.”Marine Conservation Perspective · Trang Province, Thailand
Partners & Collaborators
Andaman IEC sits within a growing ecosystem of programme operators, accommodation partners, academic institutions, and community organisations.
Programme Operators
Academic & Community Partners
Accommodation
Events & Festival Calendar
Southern Thailand’s calendar is rich with festivals, conservation milestones, and seasonal marine events — all good reasons to time your visit.
Start Your Andaman IEC Journey
Whether you're a school group, individual volunteer, university department, commercial operator, or visiting traveller — tell us who you are and we'll build the right programme for you.
7, 10 and 14-day programmes for primary and secondary groups
2 to 24-week immersion stays with conservation and community work
Field study placements, lab access, and academic collaborations
Conservation, culture, and community visits — bookable pre-arrival
Accredited training and TEFL pathways for Thai and international students