Phang nga: Thai authorities launched an emergency cleanup operation in the world-renowned Phang Nga Bay National Park on Monday, after viral social media footage of floating plastic waste sparked concerns over the impact on the country's vital tourism industry. The cleanup, led by National Park Chief Suphon Khamsanoh and local subdistrict chief Decha Pathan, targeted waters near Koh Panyee, a popular floating village and tourist landmark.
According to Thai News Agency, the environmental crisis came to light after a video posted by a fisherman showed vast amounts of trash drifting in the protected waters. The footage prompted immediate questions from the public regarding oversight at the site. Officials traced the pollution to a long-term waste disposal site on the mainland, managed by a contractor for the Koh Panyee Subdistrict Administrative Organization. Investigators found that improper storage allowed waste to be swept into the sea and nearby mangroves during high tides and shifting weather patterns.
Authorities have since cordoned off the previous dumping site and banned all future disposal in the area. Under a new emergency protocol, contractors are required to ferry waste daily to the mainland, where it will be transported by park vehicles to certified facilities. "We are grateful to the public for sharing this," Decha said, adding that a formal summit involving community leaders and environmental agencies is scheduled for Feb. 4 to finalize a long-term waste management strategy.