Director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Phuket Marine and Coastal Management Department, Mr Watcharin Thintalang, yesterday (Feb 15) ordered fellow Phuket DMRC officer Mr Nared Choophueng to report to Koh Yao Police Station in Phang Nga province and file charges against the owner of the Nonthasak Marine Restaurant, Mr Sansearn Sringam, after it was found on Feb 7 that untreated wastewater from the restaurant and its toilets was being released into the island’s surrounding waters.
It should be noted that in May 2016, Marine officials ordered the removal of facilities and structures used for tourist activities from all three of the Koh Khai islands: Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nai.
On May 24, 2016, Suchart Rattanareangsri, then Director of the DMCR’s Conservation division told The Phuket News that officials were clearing all beach umbrellas and beach chairs in the area. In addition, shops and restaurants on the Koh Khai islands were to be removed and that the Royal Forest Department has been contacted to carry out the removal of these structures. (See story here.)