1. National Geographic Photo Ark
2. Virtual Jungle Thailand

Welcome to Virtual Jungle Thailand

This first-of-its-kind initiative from the U.S. Mission to Thailand supports the development of technology-mediated education tools to promote wildlife preservation. Called “Virtual Jungle Thailand,” this innovative digital campaign aims to promote U.S.-Thai wildlife conservation efforts and raise awareness about the threats facing endangered species in Thailand.

Using extended reality (XR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, this initiative brings digital and physical engagement together, highlighting the efforts of the United States and Thailand as partners in wildlife preservation. This campaign combines hands-on workshops with youth and the public to teach them how to use technology to help protect wildlife. The project aims to create awareness that everyone can participate in these efforts.

Discover Virtual Jungle Thailand

Using Extended Reality (XR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Technology: Experience the intersection of digital and physical engagement, showcasing the partnership between the United States and Thailand in wildlife preservation.

Interactive Workshops: Our hands-on workshops designed for youth and the public, where you’ll learn how to use technology to protect wildlife. This project emphasizes that everyone can support these crucial efforts.

Extended Interactive Self-Learning:
Ever wished you could get up close with Thailand’s incredible wildlife without harming them? Now you can with the “Virtual Jungle Thailand” campaign! Our extended reality applications allow you to learn about and help protect endangered species right from your devices.

• Scan the QR Code with ‘Styly’ application: Bring 3D animals to life in your space.

• Capture Photos or Videos: Document your virtual encounters with these amazing creatures.

• Learn and Share: Discover information about the endangered species that Thailand and the United States are working hard to conserve. Use the hashtag #VirtualJungleTH to share your experiences and ideas on how to protect these species.

How to use the App

1. Scan the QR Code with ‘Styly’ application: Bring 3D animals to life in your space

2. Meet the tiger on your screen

3. Tab on the ? icon to find out more about Indochinese tigers

Conservation Matters

Our application promotes ethical tourism and discourages harmful animal encounters. Learn how you can contribute to protecting Thailand’s wildlife through informed, responsible actions.

“Virtual Jungle Thailand” is more than just an application; it’s a step towards a brighter future for Thailand’s incredible creatures. By educating and engaging users, we aim to reduce visits to wildlife petting zoos and tiger parks, where exploitation often overshadows the beauty of Thailand’s wildlife. Choose virtual encounters over physical ones and make a real difference in wildlife conservation.

When it comes to conservation, every action counts. Let’s make our interactions with wildlife responsible, educational, and inspiring.

See Something, Say Something! If you witness wildlife trafficking or abuse, call the 24-hour hotline at 1362 to report it.

Join us in our mission to protect and preserve Thailand’s wildlife. Download the Virtual Jungle Thailand app today and become part of the solution.

Scan the QR Codes here:

About the Developer: Kalaya Kovidvisith

Kalaya Kovidvisith is a leader at the forefront of creative technology and innovation. With expertise across multiple careers, she also serves as a lecturer at Chulalongkorn and Thammasat University. Holding a master’s degree in design technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Kalaya combines her knowledge in design with a passion for fostering global creative communities. As the managing director of FABLAB Thailand and co-founder of FabCafe, she has played a pivotal role in establishing a worldwide network specializing in creating products, services, and experiences for the future. FabCafe’s global presence spans cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Barcelona, Kyoto, and Taipei, among others, serving as a hub for creative collaboration and technological exploration.

Kalaya’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation has earned her recognition on the global stage. She was selected as a Global Entrepreneur Summit Delegate in 2015 and served as the Southeast Asia representative for Asia Pacific Weeks Berlin in 2016. Additionally, Kalaya is an official partner of Hardware University, a Korean-based hardware accelerator, and a fellow of the On Deck Climate Tech Fellowship. She was also an active participant and delegate in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015 held in Nairobi, Kenya, which later inspired her to start a project using interactive XR technology to support wildlife preservation. She developed a technology-mediated education tool called Endangered Species Lab for public engagement in forest ecosystems and simulating the economic impact of deforestation. Her dedication to empowering youth in technology and entrepreneurship is visible through U.S. Embassy-funded initiatives aimed at empowering young audiences to leverage technology to preserve their natural environment, validate local wisdom, and create economic opportunities.

Background: U.S. Mission Supports Thailand in Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Efforts

The United States has been a close ally and partner with Thailand for two centuries, collaborating in numerous areas, including wildlife conservation. Agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work closely with their Thai counterparts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and neighboring countries. In 2024, the U.S. Mission to Thailand is launching “Virtual Jungle Thailand,” a digital campaign to promote U.S.-Thai wildlife conservation efforts and raise awareness about the threats facing endangered species in Thailand.

1. National Geographic Photo Ark
2. Virtual Jungle Thailand

The United States Embassy is proud to present the National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition, showcasing the captivating and visually striking work of renowned National Geographic photographer and Explorer, Joel Sartore. The exhibition, which will be held at Living Hall, 3rd Floor, Siam Paragon, from July 11 to 29, 2024, is part of the U.S. Embassy’s campaign to highlight U.S.-Thai collaboration on wildlife conservation efforts.

Founded by Sartore in 2006, the National Geographic Photo Ark is an ambitious project dedicated to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries. The project aims to inspire people to care for and protect these animals for future generations. The National Geographic Photo Ark is a visually powerful and compelling initiative that seeks to photograph endangered species before it’s too late. In addition to creating an archival record for posterity, this project serves as a hopeful platform for conservation and highlights the efforts of individuals and organizations working to preserve species worldwide.

One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals

The “One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals” exhibition will feature some of Sartore’s most captivating images, offering visitors a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with animals from the National Geographic Photo Ark, including some that are endemic to Thailand and Southeast Asia. The exhibition will educate visitors about the project, its mission, and conservation efforts while engaging audiences of all ages through free educational materials and activities.

The Photo Ark is showing for the first time in Thailand. This project is managed by creative director and Thailand’s celebrated contemporary photographer, Tom Potisit.

Schedule of Events

July 13

Location: Living Hall, 3rd Floor, Siam Paragon

July 15

Location: SCBx, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon

July 16

Location: SCBx, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon

July 17

Location: SCBx, 4th Floor, Siam Paragon

About the Photographer: Joel Sartore

In 2006, world renowned photographer Joel Sartore started the National Geographic Photo Ark in an effort to document every species living in human care, inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. For more than 15 years, he’s traveled to zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world in his quest to create a photo archive of global biodiversity. Sartore is a National Geographic Explorer, public speaker, author, educator, conservationist and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. In 2018, he was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year.

Sartore has produced several books including Photo Ark Wonders: Celebrating Diversity in the Animal Kingdom, RARE: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species, Photographing Your Family, The Photo Ark, Animal Ark, and The Photo Ark Vanishing: The World’s Most Vulnerable Animals.

In addition to the work he has done for National Geographic, Sartore has contributed to Audubon magazine, Life, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and numerous book projects. Sartore and his work have been the subjects of several national broadcasts, including National Geographic’s Explorer, NBC Nightly News, NPR’s Weekend Edition, Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the PBS documentary series, Rare: Portraits of the Photo Ark. He is also a regular contributor on the CBS Sunday Morning Show.

Sartore’s hallmarks are a sense of humor and a midwestern work ethic. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in journalism. He currently lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife and children.

joelsartore.com

About the Curator: Tom Potisit

Tom Potisit (Hon.F.RPST) has made a name as a professional who stimulates conversations on relevant social and environmental issues through both his fashion
and artistic photography.

Tom’s Bangkok Creative Studio supports outstanding Thai talents and artist for international markets, while his HOP Hub Of Photography is a community that empowers Thai photographers to grow professionally, while bringing their work to a wider audience.

In his role as an advisor of the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand (RPST), he is responsible for international relations, with a mission to create more international exposure for Thai photography, using photography as a real tool to both bridge and build international relationships among countries, groups and individuals around the world.

In addition, he was recently appointed as the official liaison officer of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). His work has touched upon a range of important global issues from minority rights, endangered marine animals, organ donation and environmental issues. He had previously worked with world’s renowned photographers such as Steve McCurry’s Belonging Photo Book as the producer, a master of ceremony of James Nachtwey’s Memoria Exhibition and the production manager for Michel Auder’s Nine Plus Five Works Exhibition in Bangkok.

His latest work “The Middle Path” won the international competition, exhibited and displayed on the billboard in Time Square, NY last year. He has also appeared as a TEDx Speaker on the topic – Changing the World One Image at a Time.

www.tompotisit.com

About the National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories, and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org.

U.S. Mission Thailand thanks our partners Siam Piwat Group, Siam Paragon, B.Grimm, and UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) for their support of this exhibition. Photo Ark is organized and traveled by The National Geographic Society.

U.S. Mission Supports Thailand in Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Efforts

The United States has been a close ally and partner with Thailand for two centuries, collaborating in various fields, including wildlife conservation. Agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work closely with their Thai counterparts to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and in neighboring countries. In 2024, the U.S. Mission Thailand is launching “Virtual Jungle Thailand,” a digital campaign to promote U.S.-Thai wildlife conservation efforts and raise awareness about the threats facing endangered species in Thailand.