Phang nga: Village headmen and national park officials are urgently clearing floating garbage from the Phang Nga Bay. The headman of Koh Panyi subdistrict, along with national park officials, are urgently addressing the problem of widespread marine debris in Phang Nga Bay after a video was shared on social media expressing concerns about its impact on tourism.
According to Thai News Agency, a video emerged on social media showing trash floating in the sea near Koh Panyee, sparking questions from online users about the state of Phang Nga Bay National Park, a world-renowned tourist destination. In response, Mr. Supol Khamsanoh, head of Ao Phang Nga National Park, directed park officials to collaborate with Mr. Decha Pathan, headman of Koh Panyi Subdistrict, to collect the garbage and transport it to the Koh Panyi Subdistrict Administrative Organization's incinerator on Koh Klang Island, Krasom Subdistrict, Takua Thung District, Phang Nga Province. Together with the community, they cleared the floating debris and moved piles of trash closer to the incineration site, while also posting signs warning against littering.
The affected area lies within Ao Phang Nga National Park and has historically been used by the Koh Panyee Subdistrict Administrative Organization and the Koh Panyee community for waste dumping and burning. However, improper waste management by contractors has led to waste accumulation and dispersal due to weather and currents. An inspection revealed significant plastic waste accumulation in the nearby mangrove forest.
Mr. Decha Pathan stated that discussions with national park authorities have resulted in plans to collect floating and accumulated waste, cordon off the old dumping area, and enforce a ban on waste dumping. Businesses must now transport waste by boat to the pier daily, with the national park arranging truck collection for disposal at a designated site. A meeting scheduled for February 4, 2026, will focus on long-term waste management plans for Koh Panyee, involving community leaders and relevant agencies. Mr. Pathan expressed gratitude towards social media for highlighting the issue, underscoring the severe threat marine debris poses to natural resources, marine life, and the tourism image of Phang Nga Bay.