Speaking at a meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) offices this week, the Governor outlined new guidelines aimed at accelerating source-based waste management across the province.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including PPAO President Rewat Areerob, Phuket Provincial Local Administration Officer Wutthichai Bamrungrat, Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, representatives from Phuket City Municipality, and officials from relevant government and private sector agencies.
Participants were briefed on the current situation at the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Center at Saphan Hin, which continues to receive large volumes of refuse from across the island.
Progress in managing organic waste was also reported, along with new measures governing the transport of waste to the central disposal facility.
Central to the discussions was the implementation of the Phuket Provincial Announcement on Waste Management at the Source, dated Dec 19, 2025. The policy focuses on:
- Reducing organic waste at its origin
- Strict waste separation
- Using environmentally friendly packaging
- Prohibiting foam containers
- Inspecting the readiness and efficiency of garbage trucks
- Promoting local environmental volunteers
- Applying innovative technologies for small-scale waste disposal suited to local contexts
Mr Rewat said the PPAO, as the island’s main local administrative body, was ready to integrate its work with government and private agencies to drive the policy forward effectively.
Governor Nirat stressed that waste management cannot rely solely on local administrations.
“Waste management must start at the source and requires cooperation from all sectors – government, private and the public,” he said. “If all parties work together seriously, the current waste crisis can be resolved.”
COCONUT WASTE AND INNOVATION
One proposal drawing particular attention came from the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, which highlighted the large volume of coconut waste generated by tourists.
The foundation proposed systematic sorting and forwarding of coconut husks and shells for value-added processing, including conversion into biochar and development into commercial products.
The concept also includes deploying innovative technologies – including robotic systems – to assist with waste collection, reducing the burden on sanitation workers while improving efficiency.
Local authorities further proposed establishing a ‘Local Environmental Volunteer’ programme to encourage residents to take an active role in waste management and environmental conservation within their communities.
The PPAO reported that it has appointed a special task force to monitor and oversee systematic solutions to the waste problem. It also pledged to encourage hotels and tourism operators with successful waste management models to share best practices across other sectors.
The province signalled its intention to strengthen public relations efforts to promote Phuket internationally as a clean and environmentally responsible tourist destination.
All agencies agreed to expedite the establishment of designated waste storage and sorting areas prior to final disposal in order to reduce the amount of waste entering the central facility.
“Love Phuket, don’t just talk about it, take action. Stop the crisis with our own hands, so that our children and grandchildren won’t face this problem in the future,” Governor Nirat said.
PATONG GENERATES 200 TONNES A DAY
The push for action continued later in the week, with Governor Nirat visiting Patong to monitor local waste management efforts, meeting officials at the Patong Municipal Office.
He was joined by Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Suthirak Jitsupap, Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri, Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment Director Natthakrit Phonphet, and other municipal executives.
Officials reported that Patong alone generates approximately 200 tonnes of waste per day. Among the daily total are around 300 kilogrammes of coconut waste and large quantities of seashells from restaurants, materials that cannot be processed through standard disposal methods and therefore require alternative management approaches.
Governor Nirat noted that while waste management is the responsibility of local administrative organisations, the province stands ready to provide full support when volumes exceed local capacity.
He commended businesses and hotels in Patong for their cooperation following previous consultations, noting that several establishments have developed waste management models that could serve as examples for others.
Patong, he said, remains one of Phuket’s key economic engines but also one of its largest waste generators.
“All relevant sectors must urgently address this problem,” he said.
Patong Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to managing waste to the best of its ability, emphasising the importance of protecting both public welfare and Phuket’s tourism image.
Provincial officials said the overarching goal is to significantly reduce the volume of waste entering the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Center by embedding strict source separation, encouraging innovation and mobilising cooperation across every sector of society.