PHUKET REVIEWS WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Phuket, Thailand’s premier tourism destination, is reviewing its waste-management system as part of efforts to support sustainable tourism development across the province.

Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsitthithavorn, who led a delegation on Thursday to The Racha Hotel on Racha Yai Island to study its waste-management practices, said the hotel’s model could serve as a reference for similar establishments throughout Phuket, particularly in popular tourist areas.

He said the delegation observed two key systems at the hotel: an incinerator capable of processing about 800 kilogrammes (kg) of waste per day, and a biogas system handling approximately 500 kg daily.

“These systems enable the hotel to manage waste efficiently and reduce its environmental impact, making them well suited to island-based tourism operations,” he said in a statement published on the Public Relations Department website on Thursday.

Nirat said The Racha Hotel also works closely with local authorities, as well as other hotels and businesses on the island, to address waste and wastewater management.

He said the coordinated approach covers all stages of waste handling, including collection, treatment and disposal, helping to keep the island clean and better prepared for long-term tourism growth.

The governor said the study visit provided a platform for practical knowledge exchange and underscored the importance of adopting effective environmental practices in tourism-driven areas.

“Insights gained from the visit are expected to support future planning as Phuket moves towards cleaner and more sustainable tourism management,” he added.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a major tourism hub, renowned for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.

-- BERNAMA