Dr Thon urges authorities to scrap the Surin Beach retention wall

Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, assistant dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University and a renowned marine specialist, has commented on the retention wall project of Cherngtalay OrBorTor that is planned to be built on Surin Beach saying that such a wall will be harmful for the local eco-system and beach environment.

“The retention wall project on Surin Beach, which will cost several millions Baht, should not go ahead. The DMCR (Department of Marine and Coastal Resources) has already sent letters request reconsideration about the project twice. The department emphasised that the natural sand ridge should not be disturbed, encroached on or have anything constructed on it. The department has already warned that the local council should strictly follow this piece of advice.”

Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, assistant dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University

“There’s a quite a lot of preparation on the beach already, digging the sand up and I disagree with that. They have been warned by a government department that is directly involved as well as many marine specialists, ecologists and local people.”

“I would like to ask DMCR to investigate this project thoroughly and urgently. If there’s no adjustment in action following the letters from the department we would request that the project be suspended to avoid any further damage to the beach. The Director General of the department has just used the same act to ban cigarettes on beaches around Thailand. I agree with the DMCR that there should not be any construction on the beach. Any construction, if there has to be any, should be at the back of the sand ridge.”