Phuket’s property market has experienced significant growth following the Covid-19 pandemic, with the province generating 400 billion baht in tourism revenue last year. However, concerns regarding wastewater management remain prevalent.
Recently, the Faculty of Technology and Environment at Prince of Songkla University’s Phuket campus held a seminar focused on the decline in coastal water quality in the region, attracting participation from government agencies and private organizations.
Surasak Anusorn, director of Phuket’s Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that tourism in the province has flourished post-pandemic, welcoming 13 million visitors and generating substantial revenue. The real estate market has also seen rapid expansion, with numerous new condominiums and homes in the pipeline. Despite this growth, Surasak highlighted several challenges including traffic congestion, waste management, and wastewater pollution.
Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) reveal that while larger hotels generally manage wastewater effectively, smaller businesses and local communities still present significant problems. He cited data from the Pollution Control Department indicating that while seawater conditions at 10 beaches are rated from moderate to good, surface water in adjacent communities is deteriorating, with some areas experiencing foul odors.
Many small businesses and food vendors lack adequate wastewater management, unlike the hotels that have environmental protection measures in place. Recently, Phuket province signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese wastewater management company, China Water Co Ltd, to establish underground and above-ground wastewater treatment systems.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced that the pilot project would encompass five sub-districts: Karon, Kamala, Sakhu, Sri Sunthon, and Cherng Talay, with financing primarily sourced from local administrative organizations.
Chaturong Kongkeaw, deputy dean of the Faculty of Technology and Environment, emphasized that wastewater pollution remains a critical concern, especially at Patong and Kamala beaches.
There has been a recent increase in wastewater complaints, particularly in the Pa Lai area near Chalong Bay in Vichit sub-district, raising alarm among local fish farmers worried about the pollution’s impact on their operations. Officials have committed to investigating these issues.
Mr. Chaturong reiterated that waste management is a pressing challenge, with high waste generation rates requiring immediate action.
Samran Sinthong, secretary-general of the Andaman Natural Resources Conservation Foundation, announced that the foundation would forward the seminar’s recommendations to the Land, Natural Resources, and Environment Commission to advocate for further action.
