A Young Heart Committed To The Ocean – Kan Sukarakan, People of New Heaven
Kan Suakrakan or Nong Kan, a Divemaster, one of our New Heaven staff team, fell in love with scuba diving at a young age, drawn to the mysteries of the ocean. With a background in marine science and a talent for underwater photography, the sea has always been both his classroom and his canvas. His journey with New Heaven began when he joined the Reef Conservation Program in 2018, and from that moment, Koh Tao became more than just an island; it became his reef home.
For years, Kan balanced life between Bangkok and Koh Tao, returning again and again for diving adventures and a deeper connection with the reef. Finally, in 2023, his passion led him to complete his Divemaster training with New Heaven Dive School, and since then, he has continued to share his love for the ocean, working and diving on the side here ever since.
Let’s get to know him deeper through his interview.
1. How did you start scuba diving?
This story goes back to when I was in kindergarten, around 6 years old. At school, we were supposed to take naps in the afternoon, but my friend and I rarely slept. One day, he brought out a little green toy soldier wearing an outfit I didn’t recognize. I asked him, “What is that?” and he answered, “A diver.” From that moment, my curiosity about diving began. When my father noticed my interest, he often played ocean documentaries for me, which only deepened my fascination with the underwater world. By the time I was 13, my mother encouraged me to take my first scuba diving course. And since then, diving has been a part of my life.
2. Why Marine Science and underwater photography?
For me, the ocean is not just water; it’s full of life. And because of my love for diving, I decided to study Marine Science, which allows me to truly explore and understand the underwater world I’m so curious about. What I enjoy most is that science gives me answers to the questions I’ve always had about the sea. As for underwater photography, it’s my way of recording and sharing this beauty with others, so they can see the ocean the way I see it.
3. What is your favorite marine creature and why?
I love small, often hard-to-find marine creatures, like zooplankton, nudibranchs, and more. But if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the sea spider. They can be found from shallow waters to the deep sea and are among the ocean’s strangest arthropods. Most don’t have a heart or lungs; instead, they pump seawater through their long, thin legs to circulate oxygen (Woods & Moran, 2008). Some deep-sea species, like Sericosura, even live on methane seeps and “farm” bacteria on their bodies. These bacteria consume methane and provide food for the spider; essentially, a spider with no heart, no lungs, and its own microbial garden (Dunlop et al., 2025). I’ve only encountered one in my life, and I’m still searching for more in places where no one else has recorded them. Right now, I’m working on a project called Another World, photographing marine life in ways that highlight its beauty and reveal things people might not normally see. You can check it out on my Instagram: @kan_22depth
4. Why at New Heaven Dive School, Koh Tao?
New Heaven Dive School is special because it’s not just about diving, it’s about conservation and community. The school strongly focuses on protecting reefs and marine life, which aligns perfectly with my values as a marine biologist and diver. Being here allows me to share knowledge, inspire others, and take part in meaningful conservation work, all while enjoying the joy of diving every day. On top of that, the people at New Heaven feel like family, and I can truly be myself here.
Thank you, Have a Beautiful life
Kan has been officially working as a Divemaster and underwater guide with us for the past year, sharing his passion for the ocean with every dive. His calm energy and dedication make him a favorite among students and fun divers alike. If you enjoy his style and would like to explore the reefs with him, don’t hesitate to reach out. He’ll be more than happy to guide you through Koh Tao’s colorful underwater world and show you why it has become his reef home. See you beneath the waves!
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