'Merman' courts controversy by refusing to kowtow

Critics say conservationist overstepped DNP advisory role, misstepped with offensive attitude to foreign tourists

- KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE

Siranudh “Psi” Scott has entered the media spotlight after clashing with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and being dismissed from his role advising the department's director-general amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Some praised Mr Siranudh for his conservation efforts, while others criticised him for his arrogance and taking advantage of his position for personal gain. Below are the details of what transpired.

WHO IS SIRANUDH SCOTT?

Mr Siranudh, also known as “Merman”, is a Scottish-Thai marine conservationist, endurance swimmer, and founder of Sea You Strong — a volunteer-driven initiative focused on ocean preservation and environmental education.

In 2023, Mr Siranudh and a team of 36 volunteers made headlines by completing a 70-kilometre relay swim across the Andaman Sea, setting a Southeast Asian record and raising awareness about marine conservation and plastic pollution.

A fourth-generation member of the Bhirombhakdi family, owners of the Boon Rawd Brewery, Mr Siranudh holds a degree in animation from the California Institute of the Arts. He returned to Thailand during the Covid-19 pandemic, seeking a deeper purpose and to reconnect with his life-long love for the ocean.

His relatable content and advocacy have won him a large following on social media, with over 555,800 TikTok followers and 272,000 on Facebook.

On Jan 2, 2024, Mr Siranudh was appointed as an adviser to the director-general of the DNP, in recognition of his growing impact on environmental advocacy in the country.

WHAT SPARKED THE FIREWORKS?