Phuket: Lord of the flies

PHUKET: The Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) has voiced its concern over the increasing number of flies found swarming across the island, which the chamber fears could affect the island’s tourism industry.

PCC Deputy Secretary General Charan Sangsarn raised the issue at a meeting held at the Phuket office of the National Economics and Social Development Board.

“We have received complaints from residents about the rising number of flies spreading across the island. If we don’t find a solution to the problem, it could have serious ramifications for tourism,” he said.

Phuket Public Health Office Chief Dr Sak Tanchaikul acknowledged the importance of the issue and promised to contact related organizations to identify the source of the problem, as well as find a solution.

“The main source of the problem might come from the garbage issue that Phuket is facing,” suggested Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) President Paiboon Upatising.

“We have so much garbage that the incinerator cannot dispose of it all, so we’ve had to bury a portion of it. Maybe the landfill is contributing to the large number of flies,” he continued.

Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa, who chaired the meeting, said that all related organizations would be invited to the next meeting on the topic in hopes of finding the fastest way to put an end to the issue.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong