Staffers and representatives from the Patong Hotel Association as well as lifeguards and beach business operators today (July 3) joined forces to clear debris that washed ashore at Patong and Kalim Beach.
“Our staffers also organise a big beach cleanup on the first Friday of the month,” said Sasinut Wongsrinark of Patong Municipality’s Public Health and Environment division, which is responsible for keeping Patong Beach clean.
The timing worked out well, she added, as the monthly cleanup coincided with the recent surge of trash onto the beaches.
At Surin, lifeguards and workers form the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) teamed up to clear the beach of trash and other debris.
“Strong waves brought ashore lots of marine trash, “said Cherng Talay OrBorTor chief Ma’ann Samran. “This is normal for this time of year because of the strong wind and current caused by the southwest monsoon.
“Lifeguards also helped us to clean up the beach even though it was not their duty. They did it because of their public consciousness. They collected pieces of wood, large timbers, trash, cigarette butts and plastic bags. All of this is dangerous for tourists and the environment.”
Prathaiyut Chuayuan of the Phuket Life Guard Service, told The Phuket News, “At the moment, there is no authority responsible for keeping Surin Beach clean, so we we were happy to co-operate with Cherng Talay OrBorTor to help clean up the garbage and to return the beach to its usual beautiful state.
– Yonlaphat Boonsusakul