Recently, a team organized by the Lab of Marine Geology and Geophysics has successfully completed the comprehensive survey on vulnerability of coastal zone in Thailand. Completed by the team jointly organized by the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), Thailand, the survey is targeted at coastal zone environmental problems including seawater intrusion and mangrove wetland degradation in the Gulf of Thailand, based on projects such as "China–Thailand International Coastal Zone Vulnerability".

The survey lasted for 15 days from November 21 to December 5. Six scientific personnel from FIO including Li Ping, Chen Guangquan, Liu Wenquan, Xu Yuanqin, Fu Tengfei and Liu Jie, and 20 staffs including Mr. Nawin from DMCR, were separated into two teams to carry out survey on seawater intrusion and on mangrove and geological sampling, respectively. Pattaya, Samutsongkhram and Cha-am were selected as the targeted sites for site sampling, high-density electrical monitoring, and in-situ monitoring based on surveys in 2012, 2013 and 2015. All of these laid the foundation for monitoring, evaluation, simulation, and prediction of seawater intrusion in the Gulf of Thailand. Mangrove survey and geological sampling were carried out in mangrove distribution areas in coastal zone of Samut Sakhon, Phang Nga, and Nakhon Sri Thammarat were included in the cooperation. Sediment cores from nine sites were obtained, providing valuable samples for further study on mangrove environmental evolution.

During the survey, whether it was under the blazing sun or heavy rain, the team members still worked hard despite of mosquito bites and quagmire discouraging advance. Enjoying in adversity, they overcame all kinds of difficulties and successfully completed the tasks. The regional scope of geological hazards research in coastal zone by FIO has been expanded through the survey, and the exchanges and cooperation between China and Thailand have been strengthened, which can serve the construction of 21st century maritime Silk Road.