Speaking at a meeting held at 11:30am yesterday (Feb 26) at the meeting room of Phuket Provincial Hall, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plothong called upon Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Phuket office Nonthawan Jamlonggat and Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kepsap to provide an update on the wastewater situation at Patong Bay.
“I want to know the most up-to-date information on this environmental problem from them before I inspect the area at 5pm tomorrow (Feb 27),” Gov Norraphat said.
“Everyone must work together in order to solve the problem at Tritrang Beach urgently.
“Tomorrow I will go with a specialist from Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Phuket Campus to inspect the area, and i must be provided with solutions on how we can save the environment and tourism image,” Gov Norraphat added.
On Feb 11, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr Wijarn Simachaya, ordered Gov Norraphat and Mayor Chalermluck to quickly resolve the issue of untreated wastewater being pumped into the sea in Patong Bay.
Dr Wijarn’s order came following an inspection of the area at 3pm on Feb 11, with Gov Norraphat Plodthong, Mayor Chalermluk and other local government officials also in attendance. (See story here.)