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For three months from August to October 2010, an interactive exhibit on underwater cultural heritage was held at the Siam Ocean World in Bangkok. The exhibit was viewed by an estimated 150,000 local and foreign visitors.
Visitors journeyed through stunning photographic essays of underwater heritage sites around the world wondered at the exact replica of the Samed Ngam shipwreck located in Chanthaburi, Thailand, marveled at artefacts retrieved from the seabed and enjoyed demonstrations by underwater archaeologists in a giant aquarium. The exhibition also featured a variety of interactive play zones that provided children the opportunity to become junior maritime archaeologists.
The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Underwater Archaeology Division of Fine Arts Department of Thailand. Through this exhibit, UNESCO has raised the awareness of the viewing public on the need to safeguard underwater cultural heritage and to fight illicit trafficking and treasure hunting of our shared heritage for the benefit of the future generations.
An estimated three million shipwrecks and other underwater sites are yet to be discovered, most of which are currently under major threats from treasure hunters who are sponsored with advanced equipment. It is, therefore, a race against time for the maritime archaeologists, international organisations and related institutions in creating a common understanding and elevating ethical awareness towards cultural heritage comsumption.
The exhibition is now a permanent collection in Thailand's National Maritime Museum, Chanthaburi province.
