Cruise ship caught dumping trash into Chao Phraya River (video)
Outrage is sweeping Bangkok after shocking footage emerged of cruise ship staff dumping large amounts of trash into the Chao Phraya River every day. The scandal was exposed by former beauty queen Carla Porter, first runner-up of Miss Thailand World 2009, who posted the incriminating video on her Facebook page.
The clip, secretly filmed by a friend, shows staff from a cruise ship discarding plastic bottles, foam boxes, and other rubbish directly into the river. Porter revealed that the dumping occurs daily at the same spot. When the crew noticed they were being watched, they moved behind another docked ship to continue their illegal activity, thinking they were out of sight.
“I never thought that a company profiting from the river would destroy it in this way. I am certain this is not an isolated incident, and I suspect there are orders coming from higher up.”
Porter expressed disbelief that employees would act alone, suggesting that management might be involved.
The clip went viral, sparking public outrage and a flood of criticism against the cruise company. Environmental groups and locals demanded immediate action, calling for stricter regulations to protect the Chao Phraya River from pollution.
Adding to the scandal, Tos, the caretaker of a restaurant along the riverbank in the Phra Ram 3 area, confirmed that the dumping occurred around 7pm yesterday, February 26. He stated it was not an isolated incident, as he had witnessed the same actions by the boat staff multiple times. Unable to tolerate it any longer, he recorded the footage.
Tos explained that his restaurant frequently deals with floating garbage, often accompanied by a foul odour that drives away customers. Despite efforts to clean the area, he was appalled to see those who profit from the river also polluting it.
“The garbage was clearly from the previous day, left on the boat instead of being disposed of onshore. Why didn’t they use a proper bin?”
Tos pointed out that the dumping occurred before the boat picked up passengers, suggesting the trash was deliberately discarded to maintain a clean appearance for customers.
Social media users flooded the cruise company’s Facebook page with criticism, condemning the staff’s actions as “disgusting” and demanding accountability. Some called for management to be held responsible and urged the company to take immediate corrective action.
Meanwhile, the Marine Department, which oversees the Chao Phraya River, has launched an investigation into the incident. They pledged to enforce penalties if the allegations are proven true, reported Thairath and Channel 3 News.
Attempts to contact the cruise company were unsuccessful, as the listed phone number directed callers to a ticket agency that denied ownership of the boat. The ticketing agency provided another contact, but no one responded.
With public pressure mounting, environmental groups are calling for stronger enforcement of environmental laws to protect one of Bangkok’s most iconic waterways. The scandal has also reignited debates about corporate responsibility and environmental ethics in Thailand.
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