Phuket —
Phuket is stepping up its waste management strategy as daily refuse volumes exceed 1,000 tons, a surge fueled by urban growth and the island’s thriving tourism industry. Provincial leaders say the challenge demands urgent, coordinated action to protect both the environment and the island’s reputation as a sustainable destination.
At a meeting of the Phuket Provincial Committee on Waste and Sewage Management, chaired by Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam, officials reviewed progress on several critical initiatives:
- Landfill rehabilitation projects to restore and stabilize existing disposal sites.
- Waste-to-energy programs aimed at generating electricity while reducing reliance on landfills.
- A provincial waste management master plan to ensure long-term efficiency and capacity.
Phuket is also advancing its 2026 “Clean Province” campaign, which emphasizes reducing waste at the source through the 3Rs principle — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Authorities believe this approach will ease the burden on disposal systems and encourage community participation in sustainable practices.
Plans are underway to implement cluster-based waste management among four municipalities, enabling shared infrastructure and coordinated disposal. Another initiative involves producing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), converting non-recyclable waste into usable energy to minimize landfill dependency.
The committee also considered waiving disposal fees for Wichit Municipality for up to 15 tons of waste per day. The savings would be redirected to public health programs for residents affected by waste-related pollution, pending further approval.
Officials stressed that these measures reflect Phuket’s determination to integrate environmental responsibility into its development model. By combining government oversight, municipal cooperation, and private-sector participation, the province aims to build a resilient waste management system that supports both residents and the tourism industry.
“Phuket’s future as a sustainable tourism hub depends on how effectively we manage today’s waste crisis,” Deputy Governor Suwit said, urging all stakeholders to contribute to the island’s environmental stewardship.
