Deputy PM dives into Phi Phi’s wastewater woes

PHUKET: Phi Phi officials are looking to secure a multi-million-baht budget to plug the free flow of untreated wastewater into the sea.

Deputy Prime Minister Adm Narong Pipatanasai visited the island yesterday to review a number of projects that the local administration plan to implement to stem the daily tide of 1,800 cubic meters of wastewater spewing into the marine park.

Ao Nang Administration Organization (OrBorTor) President Pankum Kittithonkun suggested that the government invoke Article 44 of the interim charter to source the 600 million baht needed to resolve several infrastructure problems at the popular tourist destination.

“If we don’t take immediate action, it may have dire consequences for the environment in the future,” Mr Pankum said.

The meeting between officials and the Deputy PM comes fast on the heels of news that 83 per cent of the popular tourist island’s wastewater is flowing directly into the ocean untreated (story here).

“We proposed two projects in Ao Nang, including the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, as well as the installation of pipes to transfer wastewater into the plant,” Mr Pankum said. “In Phi Phi we have proposed widening the pipes that transport wastewater into the Wastewater Collection and Constructed Wetland System already in place there.”

Deputy PM Narong acknowledged the urgency of the problem and assured officials that he would discuss the issues with the central government as soon as possible.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong