Deputy Mayor of Patong Municipality Awut Noochet led an inspection on Friday (Apr 24), joined by Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Kisin, municipal council members and department heads, to monitor the removal operation.
Sanitation workers from the municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division were deployed to collect and dispose of the seaweed along the shoreline. Officials said the operation aims to prevent foul odours and preserve the beach’s image for visitors.
The latest accumulation follows similar incidents earlier this year, when large amounts of seaweed affected Patong Beach and raised concerns among residents and tourists.
During a provincial inspection on Feb 17, Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn ordered cruise ships anchoring offshore to move further out to sea, amid concerns that vessel activity could be contributing to the problem. Anchoring distances were increased from two to three kilometres as a precaution while further investigations continue.
Officials have noted that seaweed and algae blooms are often seasonal, typically occurring between January and April when environmental conditions are favourable.
According to scientific data presented by the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, seaweed and algae growth can increase significantly under such conditions.
However, one key contributing factor identified earlier this year was “high levels of phosphate nutrients from wastewater”, officials admitted.
Authorities have also said that strong waves or changing sea conditions can dislodge the seaweed, causing it to float to the surface and wash ashore.
Regardless, officials continue to stress that Patong Beach remains open and safe for the public.
Municipal workers are expected to continue clearing the seaweed over the coming days, while officials pursue longer-term measures to address the underlying causes.