The initiative, part of the larger "Rak 72 Thai Beach" project, aims to conserve Thai beaches in honour of His Majesty the King, celebrating his 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28.
The ceremony was joined by Chakkraphong Saengmanee, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and Kriang Kalptinan, Deputy Minister of Interior, among others.
Also present was Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, among other Phuket officials.
Ms Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, shared that the Prime Minister expressed his delight in presiding over the launch of the Phuket Sandbox project. He emphasised that the model for beach conservation aligns with the royal initiatives and policies of His Majesty the King, particularly in environmental development, said a government report of the event.
Thailand ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest amount of plastic waste entering the sea. In response, the government has taken urgent steps to address this issue, the government report admitted.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has been tasked with implementing the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ project, aiming to raise awareness and encourage “citizens” (sic) “to conserve and maintain the beauty of Thailand’s beaches and seas, which are crucial natural tourist attractions generating significant income for the country.”
PM Srettha thanked the MNRE for their efforts in driving the Phuket Sandbox project. He expressed hope that the dedication and collaboration from all sectors would create a model space that raises awareness for beach conservation, the report noted.
The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards sustainably resolving the problem of plastic waste on beaches and in the sea, thereby preserving Thailand’s marine and coastal resources for future generations, the report added.
The project promotes marine ecotourism and sustainable coastal tourism while campaigning to reduce single-use plastic packaging and encourage environmentally friendly alternatives. The initiative covers 72 beaches across six coastal provinces: Trat, Rayong, Chonburi, Surat Thani, Trang, and Krabi, with the Phuket Sandbox serving as the operational prototype, or as Thai officials like to call “a model province”.
The project employs the “Phase 2 Plastic Waste Management Action Plan (2023 - 2027)” as its conceptual framework, consisting of four key measures:
- Promoting the production and sale of environmentally friendly packaging.
- Campaigning for the use of eco-friendly products.
- Implementing waste management based on academic principles.
- Collecting leftover trash on beaches.
"By reducing beach litter, promoting eco-friendly packaging, and fostering proper waste management, the Phuket Sandbox project seeks to create sustainable partnerships with beach vendors and tourists alike, ensuring an environmentally friendly approach to beach tourism," said Ms Ratklao.
The initiative not only honours His Majesty the King but also positions Thailand as a leading destination for eco-conscious tourists, enhancing the country’s potential to attract more international visitors, said the government report.
MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION
Earlier today, PM Srettha visited the Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Department and the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre, operated under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
The visit was part of the coral reef conservation project supported by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, explained an official report of the visit.
Key officials accompanying the prime minister included Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, MNRE Minister Chatuporn Buruspat, MNRE Permanent Secretary Phongsawat Neelayothin, DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi, Phuket Governor Sophon and DMCR Deputy Director-General Chitchanok Sukmongkol, among others.
During the visit, Mr Srettha observed the management of rare marine animal rescue operations in the Andaman Sea area, visited an exhibition showcasing the treatment of stranded turtles and watched a demonstration of laser treatment for injured turtles.
He ordered an increase in the number of rescue centres for rare marine animals, the provision of fast-response rescue vehicles and the acquisition of medical equipment to help save marine animals and determine the causes of their deaths.
Afterward, the Prime Minister visited the residences of government officials and staff at the rescue centre.