The Ocean’s Advocate: Psi Scott’s Path from Animation to Environmental Activism

Siranudh (Psi) Scott’s (Grad’14) journey has been anything but conventional. From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to the sun-drenched shores of Thailand, his path reflects a deep inner calling to change the world—one swim at a time.

It all began in LA, where Psi pursued animation. Yet, despite the allure of the entertainment industry, something gnawed at him. “It wasn’t fulfilling all the things I had been raised to care about,” he reflects. The world of film felt insular, detached from the global issues that had long captured his attention. “I was concerned about politics, world affairs, and I wanted to make a difference. But in LA, it was so narrow-focused solely on their programmes.”

Feeling increasingly confined, Psi craved something more. When the pandemic hit, he knew it was time for a change. “I had this strong desire to come back to Thailand, stay by the ocean. It felt like an opportunity to start afresh.” And in the turquoise waters of Thailand, Psi rediscovered his purpose. “All I wanted to do was swim. I found pools depressing, I needed the ocean.”

Back home, Psi’s academic background in geography and environmental systems came to the forefront. He was struck by how the environmental issues he had studied in global case studies were now playing out in Thailand. “I had a sense of pride in Thailand and wanted to protect it,” he says. But this wasn’t just an abstract concept. He dove right in, meeting with local officials, including the mayor. “No one respected enough was talking about it,” he recalls. There were no role models, no established path to follow. “I knew I was on the right track, but I didn’t have anyone else to stand with me. I’m a firm believer in leading with my heart, and I’ve found others who do the same.”

Psi’s environmental work began to take shape through both passive and active efforts. His fame as a swimmer, earning him the moniker of “Aquaman” or “Merman,” opened doors for his activism. Swimming long distances, such as a grueling 17–20 kilometres across the ocean in Krabi in 2022, was not just about physical endurance. “I didn’t set out to torture myself,” he chuckles. “But it was about balancing, respecting who you are and nurturing all parts of you.”

His swimming expeditions became symbolic of a larger mission. Psi forged close relationships with Thailand’s national park rangers, and his ocean swims were not just solo endeavours—he often had the support of park groups, swimming alongside him. “They do what I do, but on a different scale. I’ve built great relationships with the rangers.”

In his environmental work, Psi embraces a philosophy that is both practical and inspiring. “Most of the pollution comes from human convenience,” he says, with a note of frustration. “Simple things like plastic bags, they are the most narcissistic invention ever!” he exclaimed. He advocates for small, thoughtful changes, like choosing public transport over private vehicles or considering where your food comes from. But most importantly, he believes in leading by example. “There’s no point in knowing something if you don’t follow through,” he states firmly.

Psi’s influence stretches beyond the beaches he helps clean. Studying at Bangkok Patana, he recognises the bubble-like environment such schools can create. “It provides a glimpse of what could be. You can talk about these issues, and it reminds us that our bubble interactions can take form outside of it.” His hope is to inspire others to take action, whether in small daily choices or larger environmental efforts. For Psi, it’s not about asking others to do something foreign. “I’m not asking them to do something alien. I am validating that voice within them,” he said.

From LA to Thailand, from animation to environmental activism, Psi Scott has charted a path uniquely his own. Whether swimming the open ocean or speaking out against pollution, his journey is a testament to following one’s heart, trusting the process, and leading by example.