The action followed a site inspection on Friday (July 3) by the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 10 and other government agencies in response to a Facebook post alleging that sediment from private land was washing into coastal waters in Ratsada.
The inspection was carried out on the instructions of Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 10 Director Wisanu Chaengjai.
Officials from the Phuket Provincial Mangrove Forest Resource Management Center were joined by representatives from the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, as well as the village headman and assistant village headman of Moo 3, Koh Siray.
During the inspection, officials visited the site on private land covering 39 rai, 3 ngan, 83 square wah (39-3-83 rai).
Following the inspection, authorities issued a formal notice to the manager of the company that owns the land, ordering an immediate halt to any activities that could result in sediment or other materials being discharged into the sea.
The company was also instructed to implement measures to prevent any further sediment runoff into the marine environment.
Officials warned that allowing sediment to enter the sea can cause significant damage to marine and coastal ecosystems and may constitute an offence under the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act B.E. 2558 (2015).
Authorities said anyone found responsible for damaging marine and coastal resources could face legal action under the Act.
The Marine and Coastal Resources Office said it will continue monitoring the site and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the order and to protect Phuket’s coastal environment.