Samran Sinthong, Secretary-General of the Conservation Foundation and Advisor to the Senate Subcommittee on Natural Resources, visited Kamala on Monday (Feb 10) to inspect the ongoing waste management “challenges”, as one official report called it.
Preeyaporn Suwannaket, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), last Friday (Feb 7) ordered an ‘urgent investigation’ into black wastewater yet again flowing across Kamala Beach and emptying into water where tourists and other beachgoers swim.
Ms Preeyaporn confirmed that the investigation was ordered by Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment after he was made aware of the beach wastewater at Kamala.
During Mr Samran’s visit on Monday, he stressed the need for collaboration between businesses, local authorities and the public, urging stricter law enforcement and a greater sense of social responsibility.
Santhat Khummit, Deputy Mayor and currently Acting Mayor of Kamala Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) while Juta Dumlak fights off corruption charges, highlighted the issue of untreated wastewater from hotels and businesses.
Mr Santhat apparently “revealed” that some establishments have been releasing wastewater directly into the sea, leading to water pollution and unpleasant odours ‒ a fact that has been openly recognised for decades.
In response, Kamala’s local government has implemented new regulations requiring businesses to submit monthly reports on their wastewater treatment processes, Mr Santhat said.
Additionally, officials have again intensified inspections to ensure compliance and prevent untreated water from contaminating public water sources, he added
Alongside wastewater concerns, the rapid growth of Kamala’s real estate and tourism sectors has led to a surge in waste accumulation, Mr Santhat explained.
To combat this, the local government has increased waste collection frequency from two to four times per day. The move aims to reduce unsightly waste buildup, eliminate foul odours, and minimise health risks from disease-carrying pests, he said.
Mr Samran again emphasised that addressing both waste and wastewater issues requires collective action from government agencies, the private sector, and local residents.
He underscored the importance of preserving Phuket’s environment, not only for the well-being of its residents but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of the island’s tourism industry.