The number confirms that the Line application group remains an effective tool in the fight against pollution in Phuket, despite the MNRE taking down its web page containing the QR code to join the group, spurring confusion from people attempting to join.
The QR code remains functional and the group accessible to all members of the public.
From Jan 1 to Feb 25 this year, 49 cases of trash dumping and pollution reported to the group were passed on to the relevant municipalities, local administrative organisations (OrBorTor) and the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) and subsequently cleaned up, the MNRE confirmed to The Phuket News via a comprehensive report of all the cases involved.
In February alone, dumped garbage was cleared at:
- Soi Khokmak in Baan Don, Thalang
- Soi Hat Nam Niwet in Phuket Town
- Soi Suksan in Rawai
- Mai Khao Beach
- near the Caltex petrol station across from Satree Phuket School in Phuket Town (twice)
- the Pratunam Canal in Thepkrasattri, Thalang
- Klong Koh Phi on the outskirts of Phuket Town
- Soi Patak in Karon
- behind the Amari Coral Tri Trang Hotel in Patong
- on the hill leading up to Promthep Cape in Rawai
- Soi Hatnaniwet in Phuket Town
- beside the Phuket Provincial Hospital in Rassada
- Soi Sakhonket in Rassada
- Karon Beach
- the entrance to Nai Thon Beach
- along Chao Fa West Rd in Chalong
- Monkey Viewpoint at Koh Siray
- beside Phuket Country Club in Kathu
- at the Karn Keha government housing estate in Rassada
- the side of the road on Na Yak Hill in Kamala.
Wastewater cases reported and cleared via the group in February included:
- wastewater released onto Tri Trang Beach in Patong (twice)
- in the Nai Yang Canal in Sakhu
- behind Ban Bang Thong Hotel in Kathu
- as well as a trash and trash liquid leakage from Patong Municipality’s garbage truck in front of the Novotel in Patong.
In January, a further 23 cases of pollution were cleared while in February there were 26, confirmed the MNRE.
The growth of the group is visible after the last report by the NRE in Sept 2017 reporting only 20 cases from the launch of the group on July 15 until Sept. (See story here.)