Plastic waste threatens Thailand's coasts: This is how Koh Phangan is fighting against it!

Plastic waste threatens Thailand's coasts: This is how Koh Phangan is fighting against it!

Plastic waste is a burning issue in Bangkok and on the beaches of Thailand. Dr. Pin Sak Suraswadi, director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, recently pointed out that Thailand is the world's sixth largest polluter of marine plastic waste. This fact is alarming because plastic waste has a significant impact on our environment, economy and society. Who would have thought that whales, sea turtles, dugongs and seabirds were at risk because they mistook plastic for food or became entangled in it? These are animals that urgently need our ecosystem!

Of particular concern are the microplastic particles that end up in the sea and contaminate the food chain. This can also have direct consequences for people’s health. In addition, plastic waste pollutes beaches and tourist spots, which harms the tourism industry. In Thailand, a country that depends heavily on tourism, this circumstance would have fatal consequences.

Garbage disposal activities

At the beginning of October, an important event took place on Koh Phangan, which was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Sucha Chomklin. This event was to remove marine debris as part of a project to protect coral reefs and marine life initiated by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. Here, numerous volunteers collected plastic waste while diving, which was then handed over to the environmental authority for proper disposal. Such actions are not only necessary but also an initiative to raise awareness about protecting marine resources.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources regularly organizes such activities to regenerate marine resources. After all, clean beaches and healthy coral reefs are crucial for biodiversity and increase the value of tourist places. The local residents, students and community leaders who take part in these events demonstrate that all sectors of society must work together to secure the future of our oceans.

Tourism and plastic waste

Plastic in the ocean is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic one. Loud WWF Plastic waste causes financial damage amounting to 268 million euros to the Mediterranean tourism industry every year. This shows how important it is for tourism companies to take responsibility. You should take steps to reduce plastic waste, such as avoiding plastic and single-use utensils. It's time for restaurants and hotels to think about their own plastic consumption.

Travelers can also do their part. You should bring your own water bottles, use lunch boxes and travel cutlery. An important tip is also to use coral-friendly, microplastic-free sunscreen and avoid disposable tableware in restaurants.

The message is clear: protecting the oceans is in our hands. With determination and a knack for eco-friendly solutions, we can significantly reduce the burden of plastic waste while preserving our natural resources. The first step starts with us – let’s be the change we want to see in the world.