The multi-agency cleanup operation began on Tuesday (Jan 13) and was completed yesterday (Jan 14), focusing on removing burned hulls, debris and hazardous materials left behind after the early-morning fire on Jan 7 near Chalong Pier.
At 8:30am on Jan 13, Charan Khwankaew, Head of the Strategy and Management Group and Acting Chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), led officials at the site to oversee recovery operations.
The work was carried out in coordination with Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre Region 18 Phuket, the Phuket Regional Office of the Marine Department, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), as well as Chalong, Rawai and Wichit municipalities, local police, volunteers and other relevant agencies.
Heavy machinery and personnel were deployed to lift and remove wreckage both onshore and in shallow waters around the pier, an area heavily used by tour operators and fishing boats.
Chalong Municipality Mayor Samran Jindaphol, accompanied by council members and municipal executives, also inspected the site alongside representatives from Rawai Municipality, the PPAO, provincial development funds and private-sector partners. Rawai Mayor Thames Kraithat joined the visit to coordinate joint efforts aimed at restoring order and safety in the bay.
Officials stressed the urgency of removing all remaining obstructions to ensure safe navigation and to restore confidence among residents, operators and tourists using Chalong Bay.
As part of the final stage of the operation, Chalong Municipality’s Engineering Department yesterday and this morning deployed cherry pickers, trucks and a JCB excavator to fell and remove trees along the beachfront in Moo.8 that were damaged or destabilised by the fire. Officials said the trees posed a safety risk and also hindered access for emergency vehicles.
Municipal officials said the tree removal and landscaping works are intended to improve safety, restore the appearance of the Chalong Bay beachfront and ensure quicker access in the event of future emergencies.
The cleanup follows the Jan 7 blaze that destroyed 24 speedboats belonging to 13 operators, with damage estimated at about B40 million. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have confirmed that Chalong Pier remains open following safety inspections, while investigations into the cause of the fire continue.