Racha Yai residents have long been concerned about the pollution issues on the island, including garbage being dumped, claims of hotels releasing dirty water into the sea, allegations of building taking place illegally on public land, issues with development restricting the water flow in the canals, coral being damaged and other general waste issues.
“Solving this problem is happening too slowly,” said V/Gov Sommai.
“I have asked for more co-ordination between groups to solve this issue quickly. All parties will need to be present when I inspect Racha Island on February 7.”
A meeting was held on Monday at the Rawai Municipality with V/Gov Sommai, officials and Racha Yai locals to discuss the problems.
Sarit Chandee, a resident on Racha Yai, said the island had many problems concerning pollution of the environment and development on public land.
“These issues have become a long-term problem on Racha island, and it still hasn’t been solved. I want some serious action.”
He also said there were business conflicts over Korean and Chinese tour companies arranging private transport to and around the island, rather than using local long tail boats.
“In the past, locals used to benefit from the long tail business. Now, the tourism companies don’t use the locals anymore.”