Accompanied by Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Suttirak Chittsuphap, Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office Director Surasak Anusorn and other government officials, Mr Naraphat inspected operations aimed at tackling wastewater pollution at popular tourist destination Kamala Beach.
During the visit, Mr Naraphat stated that the inspection was conducted under the directive of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who has apparently prioritised continuous monitoring of wastewater management in Phuket.
While progress has been made, Mr Naraphat acknowledged that further measures are necessary due to the prolonged nature of the problem, said an official report of Mr Naraphat‘s visit.
Exactly what progress had been made was not explained in the report.
Local agencies assured that a wastewater treatment system would be completed within one month, promising a long-term solution, the official report assured.
However, officials observed that significant sediment remained in the area, which continued to mix with water being discharged into the sea. Mr Naraphat emphasised ‒ which he did a lot yesterday ‒ that the ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies to urgently address this issue.
In the long term, local authorities, including district chiefs and the Phuket Governor, have committed to sustained efforts in monitoring and resolving the wastewater problem, Mr Naraphat was told.
The assistant minister underscored the importance of preserving Phuket’s natural resources, particularly as ecotourism plays a crucial role in the region’s economy.
“Phuket is a key tourism hub for Thailand, and environmental conservation is vital to ensuring sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must take this mission seriously and work continuously toward long-term solutions,” he added.
LOOKING GOOD
Mr Naraphat was in Phuket to join the Andaman Sustainable Tourism Forum 2025 held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town yesterday.
The event was described as marking a significant step in promoting eco-friendly tourism, with the signing of the ‘Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox’ agreement to enhance environmental standards in the region’s tourism sector.
Komes Phutthasorn, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, signed the agreement alongside representatives from nine major agencies. The initiative aims to establish Phuket as a Green Destination in ASEAN by improving the environmental standards of hotels and tourism operations, explained an official repot of teh event.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat welcomed key stakeholders, including Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, Chairman of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, government officials, hotel operators and business leaders.
The ‘Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox’ initiative seeks to certify no less than 60% of Phuket’s hotels ‒ about 600 establishments ‒ with the ‘Green Hotel Plus’ certification by 2026.
The certification will be based on internationally recognised standards from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), reinforcing Phuket’s commitment to sustainable tourism and attracting quality visitors, Governor Sophon said.
In addition to hotel sustainability, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to promote sustainable diving in Phuket. The agreement includes training for diving operators at all levels to establish environmentally responsible practices, minimising damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Another major project unveiled at the forum was the development of a garbage collection robot to tackle waste accumulation in the Phuket Old Town, a popular tourist area. A prototype is expected to be operational within six months, contributing to improved waste management in the city.
Looking ahead, Phuket is preparing to host ‘Thailand Sustainable Tourism 2025’, the country’s first sustainable tourism seminar and exhibition, said the official report.
The event aims to drive Thailand’s tourism industry towards international sustainability standards, reinforcing its position as a global leader in responsible tourism, the official report claimed.