Effective management of marine and coastal resources requires ocean forecast products and knowledge to support decision-making. In order to respond to such urgent needs, also to enhance scientific understanding of oceanographic processes in the southeast Asian region and provide a platform for ocean modelers, the Ocean Forecasting Demonstration System (OFDS) for the Southeast Asian Areas (Phase I) as one of SEAGOOS Pilot Projects under the umbrella of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC/ WESTPAC) was successfully implemented. Phase II was proposed by all project members, named as Ocean Forecasting System (OFS) for the Southeast Asian Areas (Phase II), and approved by IOC/WESPAC in May of 2012. Prof. Fangli Qiao, invited by Prof. Fredolin Tangang and approved by IOC/WESTPAC, has served as PI of OFS in Phase II.

On July 30, 2014, Mr Chonlatid Suraswadi, Ms Suthiluck Raviwan, Pinsak and Wanakiat visited FIO and showed high interest to set up operational OFS in Thailand through cooperation with FIO. This proposal was adopted by the China-Thailand Joint Committee Meeting on 1 August, 2014 in Beijing, China. From then on, Scientists from FIO and PMBC have worked closely on this project.

OFS V1.0 can be used as an assistant tool in the management of marine resources and mitigation of marine hazards. It can provide 72 hours forecast results of ocean circulation, sea temperature, sea level and ocean surface wave, which can serve the management of oil and gas exploration, fisheries, navigation, marine parks management and coastal recreational activities.