The ceremony, held at the Ao Nang Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) Water Quality Management Center on Phi Phi Island, was organised by the Wastewater Management Authority (WMA) under the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Ao Nang OrBorTor in Krabi.
Krabi Governor Angkoon Silathevakul and WMA committee member Boonchai Charoensangsomboon joined the ceremony, along with Krabi MP Kitti Kittithorakul, Ao Nang Mayor Pankam Kittithorakul, local residents, students and visiting tourists.
The Water Quality Management Center, designed and managed by the WMA, was recently awarded the Winner in Landscape Architecture – Park and Garden Landscapes Built Design at the BLT 2025 Awards in Switzerland. The facility can treat up to 2,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day, with treated water meeting quality standards and available for reuse by local residents and businesses.
Constructed as a reinforced underground facility equipped with modern treatment systems, the centre’s landscaped upper level has been developed as a recreational area and served as the venue for yesterday’s event.
To boost public awareness of environmental protection, the event also featured a friendly futsal match titled ‘Celebrities Unite to Raise Public Awareness: Change Wastewater, Restore Clean Water to Phi Phi Island’. Teams included a Krabi VIP squad, former Thai national futsal players, former Thai national footballers and celebrities.
While on the island, the Deputy Minister presented sports equipment and scholarships to the Royal School of Baan Koh Phi Phi, while former national football star Piyapong Pue-on handed commemorative gifts to participating athletes.
Ms Sasithorn said the government is prioritising natural resource conservation alongside sustainable tourism development, in line with the policies of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
“Phi Phi Island is one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations and must preserve its unique identity while continuously improving the quality of life for local communities,” she said. “This project demonstrates a shared commitment to returning clean water to nature, strengthening the island’s ecosystem and promoting sustainable development.”
She added that the initiative will not only reduce environmental impacts from untreated wastewater but will also support local livelihoods by providing treated water that can be reused, lowering costs and generating long-term benefits.
“I am confident that today’s event will be a major milestone driving cooperation among all partners to protect Phi Phi’s environment and reinforce the image of a sustainable, clean, beautiful and safe Krabi for global tourism,” she said.
Following the ceremony, Ms Sasithorn, accompanied by Governor Angkoon, MP Kitti and Mayor Pankam, inspected damage to a 400-metre stretch of the island’s seawall, which has been repeatedly struck by monsoon-driven waves.
The boardwalk initially suffered heavy damage during a storm last year. Yet nothing has been done to even start repairs on the now-dilapidated seafront, with officials blaming each other for not being able to even launch a repair project.
An official report of Ms Sasithorn’s visit claimed that a budget request will be submitted to the government for reconstruction, while the same report praised officials for apparently emphasising “the importance of maintaining safety and confidence for the high number of international visitors Phi Phi receives each year”.
Regardless, when work will actually begin on making the boardwalk safe for tourists was not reported.