Shoreline Stabilization Test Site, Laem Rung Ruang Beach, Rayong Province, 2023

TECHNOLOGY
Researched and developed for over 20 years.

STRENGTH
Durable against coastal winds and waves in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

PERFORMANCE
Functions to stabilize shorelines, retain sediment, and reduce wave energy.

STRUCTURE
Semi-permanent flexible structure that is easy to install and remove.

STRONG
Long-lasting materials resistant to corrosion, water, and sunlight, with real-world testing in marine environments for over 10 years.

ENVIRONMENT
Eco-friendly, causing no adverse impact on coastal ecosystems and requiring no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

COLLABORATIONS
Developed in collaboration with leading Thai government agencies such as Kasetsart University, NSTDA, and Chulalongkorn University.

CERTIFICATE
Patented in Thailand and internationally, registered in the Thai Innovation Account under code 01010006 (2017 – March 2025).

SDG
A flexible structural material aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BCG
A Thai innovation contributing to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy and supported by research funding.

• A nature-based solution for coastal protection.
• Generates local income through procurement and installation.
• Low-cost, easy to implement, and relies on manual labor.
• Acts as a barrier against certain fishing vessels that may harm newly planted seedlings.
• Effectively traps sediment behind the structure.
• Minimal impact on adjacent shorelines.
• Causes less disruption to coastal ecosystems compared to other structures (as studied by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources).

• As bamboo decays, it can contribute to water pollution.
• Once the bamboo reaches the end of its lifespan, it tends to break at the waterline, potentially crushing planted saplings and becoming floating debris along the shoreline, which could harm the coastal ecosystem.
• Bamboo attracts barnacle growth, which may spread to nearby areas.
• A massive amount of bamboo is required to construct the barriers. If sourced from forests, this could lead to deforestation, and significant labor is needed for harvesting.
• Short lifespan (2–4 years), requiring continuous maintenance.
• The sediment accumulation behind the bamboo structure may not reach the level needed for mangrove forests to establish before the bamboo deteriorates. Therefore, the application of this method must consider the sediment source and the lifespan of the bamboo.
  
  
  
  
  Breakwater
  

• An engineering structure supported by theoretical principles.
• Effectively reduces wave energy, depending on the height and size of the structure.
• Clearly promotes sediment deposition behind the structure.
• Local communities can undertake construction, but the design should be carried out by engineers.
  
  Disadvantages
• In muddy coastal areas, the structure cannot be built higher than 2.5 – 3.0 meters due to subsidence, which reduces its effectiveness.
• Cannot be used as an offshore wave barrier due to the high costs required for foundation reinforcement.
• Restricts water circulation, which may lead to water quality issues, pollution, and mangrove degradation.
• Requires a moderate to high budget, depending on the design and foundation.
• May cause adverse effects on adjacent shorelines.
• Can negatively impact coastal aesthetics.

Concrete Pile Installation

• Acts as an offshore wave energy dissipation barrier.
• Enhances sediment deposition behind the structure.
• Long lifespan.
• Requires minimal maintenance.
• Experiences minimal subsidence.
  
  Disadvantages
• High construction costs, depending on the design, number of rows, and pile length.
• Can negatively impact coastal aesthetics.
• May pose hazards to water navigation.
• Less effective in areas with longer wave periods or larger wave heights, making it more suitable for regions with mild wave conditions.
• Since its wave energy dissipation mechanism is similar to that of a seawall, it may cause wave reflection in front of the structure, potentially impacting adjacent coastal areas.

Sand Sausage

          Advantages

• A hybrid structure combining natural and engineering approaches.
• Functions as an offshore wave barrier.
• Can significantly reduce wave energy, depending on the height of the barrier.
• Provides a sheltered area behind the structure for boats to dock or rest from offshore waves.
• A semi-permanent structure that can be dismantled or removed if necessary.
• Lower cost compared to permanent coastal protection methods.
  
  Disadvantages
• Limited lifespan, requiring maintenance or replacement, which may result in high long-term costs.
• Prone to subsidence or sand leakage, reducing its effectiveness in coastal protection.
• In muddy coastal areas, sand leakage can negatively impact the coastal ecosystem.
• Can diminish the natural aesthetics of the shoreline.
• May have unintended impacts on adjacent coastal areas.
• If not properly installed, it may be displaced by wave action.

SYNTHETIC MANGROVE  " CAOS "

• A hybrid coastal protection approach that integrates nature-based solutions.
• Contains wooden components, making it visually harmonious with the natural environment.
• Lightweight and does not contribute to land subsidence.
• More cost-effective compared to breakwaters, sand sausages, or concrete piles.
• Provides an immediate food source for aquatic animals, restoring the ecosystem.
• Serves as a barrier against certain fishing vessels that may damage newly planted seedlings.
• Designed with openings to allow small boats to pass through.
• Artificial roots facilitate both parallel and perpendicular sediment accumulation along the shoreline, accelerating sediment deposition and sand buildup.
• Extends the time for sediment to settle behind the structure.
• A porous structure that minimizes negative impacts on adjacent shorelines.
• Causes less disruption to coastal ecosystems compared to other structures.
• Can be easily removed or relocated to extend coastal protection if necessary.
• Does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

           Disadvantages

• Installation is not standardized; the height and number of root layers depend on specific site conditions, requiring detailed studies and design adaptations to optimize coastal stability and restoration.
• Has a moderate lifespan (approximately 10 years), longer than bamboo structures.