Fireflies, storms and climate change

So, the National Science and Technology Fair is offering you the opportunity to admire and learn more about these amazing beetles.

"I want those who have never seen fireflies to see them, particularly children who have lived all their lives in the city," says insect researcher Anchana Thancharoen of Kasetsart University.

"Visiting the fair is the easiest way for them to see fireflies. The closest area to the city where they can be spotted is the Umpawa canal in Samut Songkhram," she says.

The fair is a lot safer than a nighttime boat journey, too, she adds.

Fair guides will explain to patrons how to save the environment so that the fireflies' habit is not destroyed.

4D animation movie

They can also learn the latest on Luciola aquatilis - a new species of firefly discovered in Thailand.

It is the first time student Nutchanon Navatrakulpisit, 15, has seen fireflies.

"They look like lights that can fly. They're smaller than I expected.

Nutchanon promises to practice conservation and not do anything that might jeopardise these beetles' habitat.

Anchana wants people "not to invade their habitat", and not to disturb them by using electric lights near these places. Using insecticides near fireflies can be fatal.

The fair is showing a 4Danimation movie explaining the effects of global warming and climate change, too. There is a storm simulator as well.

National Science Museum president Pichai Sonchaeng says the storm simulator and movie will make people aware of the dangerous effects that pollution and energy consumption are having on the planet.