The event, held at the Sai Laguna Phuket hotel in Cherng Talay, was opened by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, with Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul delivering the welcome report.
Heads of local government agencies, village leaders, community representatives and private-sector partners attended the forum, which focused on collaborative solutions to local environmental issues.
Governor Sophon praised the OrBorTor for ‘driving meaningful community participation’ and aligning its programmes with the national waste management agenda. The government’s ‘Separate Before Disposal’ campaign urges residents and businesses to cut waste at the source, a strategy now recognised as a national priority.
Cherng Talay OrBorTor and organisers detailed a range of ongoing projects, including a community waste bank operating five days each month across five villages.
The initiative, which now has 319 registered members and an account turnover exceeding B300,000, rewards participants with welfare benefits while reducing landfill waste.
Members also contribute to a monthly egg donation programme that supports six vulnerable groups in the area.
An ‘Upcycle Group’ was also showcased at the conference, selling products made from recycled materials to demonstrate how discarded items can be turned into marketable goods.
Local volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contributions to environmental protection, reflecting the OrBorTor’s goal of fostering motivation and continuous learning in sustainable waste management.
Governor Sophon noted that the Cherng Talay OrBorTor’s efforts are in step with the Ministry of Interior’s Community Waste Management Action Plan, which promotes clean provinces nationwide.
The conference provided a platform for government, private and public-sector stakeholders to share ideas and strengthen the network driving Thalang’s environmental programmes, he said.
The OrBorTor’s Public Health and Environment Division, which organised the event, said the achievements presented are a foundation for expanding community-based waste reduction and recycling initiatives in the coming year.