The Office of Environmental Policy and Planning is hoping to convince villagers of the move to declare them international Ramsar sites, but expects protests.

Saksit Tridech, secretary-general, said cabinet approved the plan in principle in August last year.

The Ramsar Convention is a treaty protecting the international ecological chain of habitats in wetlands. A tight conservation scheme would ensure wise resource management.

The office anticipated protests since parts of both wetland sites were occupied by local people. Bung Boraphet, which is facing a serious water pollution problem, is also a source of income for local fishermen. Mr Saksit said local officials opposed Ramsar site status for fear that it would allow people to settle there and business to set up without controls.

"Ramsar site status would not lead to resettlement. On the contrary, local villagers will benefit from better use of resources," said Mr Saksit.

Ramsar status would foster biological diversity vital for sustainable farming.

The office plans to propose Don Hoi Lod in Samut Songkhram as another international Ramsar site. The Ramsar Convention was drafted in 1971 in Iran for protecting migratory water birds. By 1994, 74 nations had joined.

Nong Bong Kai no-hunting zone in Chiang Rai, Bung Khong Long in Nong Khai province, Phru Toh Daeng wildlife sanctuary in Narathiwat province, and Chao Mai beach national park would be proposed as Ramsar sites.

So too would Koh Li Bhong no-hunting zone in Trang province, Phangnga bay in Phangnga province and the estuary of Kra Buri river in Ranong province.