The project was formally introduced at a meeting held at the Patong Lodge Hotel on Thursday (June 12), chaired by DPT Phuket Chief Pakorn Waraphasakul.
The study forms part of a broader initiative to manage and mitigate coastal erosion across key beaches in the upper Andaman Sea region, known as the ‘T7 beach group system’, Mr Pakorn explained.
To conduct the study, the department has contracted a consortium of experts from Makro Consultant Co Ltd and Boonpanya Technology Co Ltd. Their task is to assess priority areas experiencing severe erosion and develop appropriate solutions to protect the coastline, he added.
“Kalim Beach faces significant challenges during the southwest monsoon season, when heavy waves batter the shore, washing sand and seawater onto nearby roads,” Mr Pakorn noted.
Some coastal structures designed to protect the area have deteriorated, reducing their effectiveness and posing risks to both residents and tourists, he added.
“The coastal erosion problem directly impacts the lives of local people and threatens public infrastructure, private property and tourism activity,” Mr Pakorn said. “The study aims to identify causes and propose practical, site-specific solutions that meet both environmental standards and community needs.”
During the meeting, the study team presented preliminary findings, potential erosion prevention models and the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed measures. The session also provided a platform for input from government officials, private sector representatives, local communities and residents.
The DPT recognises that community engagement is a critical part of the project, ensuring that any long-term solutions are both effective and widely supported, Mr Pakorn said.
Once finalised, the recommendations are expected to guide future construction and protective measures to safeguard Kalim Beach from ongoing erosion threats, he added.