Garbage piling up in Phuket amid tourism revival

[webfact]

 

 

Phuket, Thailand’s premier tourist destination, is grappling with an increasing garbage problem as tourism rebounds post-pandemic. The island welcomed 11 million local and foreign visitors last year, double the number from two decades ago. However, this tourism surge has led to an alarming rise in waste.

 

Phuket's deputy governor, Norasak Suksomboon, disclosed that the daily garbage volume has surged to 1,100 tonnes, up from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year. This data, sourced from the provincial statistics office and Pollution Control Department, highlights a growing environmental concern.

 

Speaking at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, which brought together 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers, Mr. Norasak underlined the sustainability challenges the province faces. He appealed to residents and volunteers to assist in managing this mounting waste, particularly by recycling and composting.

Phuket, with a permanent resident population of 418,000 as of 2021, struggles to cope with the waste from both locals and an influx of external workers and tourists. The island's single incinerator, run by Phuket municipality, can handle only about 900 tonnes daily, forcing the remainder to be sent to various dumpsites. Alarmingly, only 10% of Phuket's trash is recycled, and 60% comprises organic waste.

 

Mr. Norasak urged residents to transform organic waste into compost or soil improvers, reducing the reliance on disposal facilities. He emphasised that community involvement is crucial to address this pressing issue.

 

Earlier this year, the municipality launched a "garbage bank" pilot project in Samakkee Samkong community, Muang district, aimed at recycling waste. If successful, this initiative will be expanded to other areas, offering a sustainable solution to the island’s growing waste problem.

 

As Phuket continues to attract tourists, the province must balance economic gains with environmental stewardship to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future.

 

TOP: FILE photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-28

 

[impulse]

7 minutes ago, webfact said:

The island welcomed 11 million local and foreign visitors last year, double the number from two decades ago. However, this tourism surge has led to an alarming rise in waste.

 

Didn't see that coming...

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

this tourism surge has led to an alarming rise in waste.

 

Surprised? The whole country looks like a dump.