Phuket's Sirinat Park Overwhelmed by Mounting Trash Crisis

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Sirinat National Park on Phuket's northeast coast is grappling with a severe garbage crisis, raising alarms among local officials and residents. The park faces a daunting challenge with daily waste production reaching between 200 to 300 kilograms, which remains uncollected due to resource shortages, Park Chief Siriwat Suebsai reports.

 

This environmental emergency came to light during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment on February 24. The visit, led by Chairman Poonsak Chanchampi, aimed at addressing environmental concerns and exploring sustainable solutions for the region.

 

The committee, which included Vice Chairpersons Abdul-Aye Samang and Songyos Ramsut, and spokesperson Thitikan Thitipruethikul, assessed critical issues such as waste management, land encroachment, and park boundaries at Sirinat.

 

Beyond the park, waste woes extend to the Sakhu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor), which produces 25 tonnes of waste daily but manages to collect only 18 tonnes, exacerbating the environmental strain.

 

 

With Phuket's only incinerator temporarily shut for repairs, officials have been scrambling for waste disposal solutions. Chief Siriwat suggested setting up a disposal point within the park and called for more garbage bins. Concurrently, Thitipruethikul proposed drafting a robust waste collection strategy and seeking financial backing from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

 

The committee's visit also shed light on other local issues. Massage shop operators at Mai Khao Beach sought help against the demolition of their service booths. Mai Khao Deputy Mayor Wasawat Hongsa-suphasakul reassured them of available support measures, including appeal options.

 

The committee also delved into land disputes across Phuket. These included conflicts at Thalang Phranang Sang School’s sports field, a hotel construction dispute in Soi Pasak 5, Cherng Talay, and land claims overlapping in Kamala.

 

Additionally, the committee plans to visit the Kata landslide site, where 13 people died last August, to monitor recovery efforts. Updates on ongoing mitigation measures will be provided by officials from disaster prevention, forestry, and municipal offices, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-25