In total, volunteers collected an impressive 645 kilograms of waste. Through detailed sorting, 480 kg will be recycled while 165 kg will go to landfill. The clean-up effort included residents, hotel teams, business owners, families, and students, showcasing the strength of Phuket’s community spirit.
“Despite the storm damage earlier in the week, the response was overwhelming. This is exactly what the Phuket community is capable of when we come together for a shared purpose,” said Bas van Straten, President of Skål International Phuket. “The collaboration between hotels, schools, local businesses, and volunteers demonstrates our commitment to keeping Phuket’s beaches clean and sustainable.”
Strong Support from Phuket’s Hospitality and Business Community
A long list of hotels and partners contributed staff, refreshments, equipment, and donations:
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The Slate – gloves, black bags, snacks & 5–10 staff
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Kokotel Phuket Naiyang – gloves, bags, drinking water & 3–5 staff
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Wyndham Royal Lee Phuket – gloves, bags, drinking water & 5–10 staff
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Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas – 10–12 staff, juice, paper cups & snacks
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Diamond Resort Phuket – 5 staff
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Phutalae – drinking water & pump support
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Bangkok Hospital Phuket Network – drinking water, snacks & a fully stocked first-aid kit for future clean-ups
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Hospital donation box raised 11,000 THB for the Sustainable Maikhao Foundation
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Phuket Airport Hotel – 2,000 THB cash donation
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Southern Media – 4 staff, omelette, rice & drinks served at the Sala
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Paul Barker – tent/canopy, two tables & supportive mascot (his dog)
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UWC Thailand – approx. 20–25 students
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British International School Phuket (BISP) – 30 students
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Marriott Nai Yang – 7 staff, drinking water & muffins
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Isara – staff support
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Sustainable Maikhao Foundation – gloves, rice bags, sorting baskets & tarps
A highlight of the day was the contribution from COLTS, who offered horse rides to volunteers helping with the detailed sorting of collected waste — a fun and motivating reward for all, especially as 11 ponies and foals enjoyed their well-earned chopped carrots.
“This event shows that community-driven environmental action is not only possible, but powerful,” said Michelle Damer, Sustainable Maikhao Foundation. “With the continued involvement of volunteers and local partners, we can maintain and protect this coastline long into the future.”
A Model for Ongoing Coastal Stewardship
Organisers hope this clean-up will become part of a long-term effort to keep Nai Yang Beach clean, especially during monsoon seasons when ocean debris increases dramatically. With strong support from the tourism and education sector, the initiative is poised to grow into a recurring community event.
Skål International Phuket and the Sustainable Maikhao Foundation extend their thanks to all volunteers, donors, and partner organisations who made the clean-up a success.