Phuket officials request hotels, vendors to curb flow of wastewater

PHUKET: Cherng Talay officials have asked hotels and vendors to stop the discharge of wastewater onto Surin Beach.

The request was issued after locals voiced concern on Sunday over stinking, trash-bearing wastewater flowing from a large sewage pipe near the beach.

“We have had this problem for at least a year now, but now it has worsened terribly,” complains a vendor who wishes to remain anonymous.

“We have many times filed complaints with relevant officers, but were told countless times to wait. We would like to fix it ourselves but don’t know how to do it.”

Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor) President Ma-ann Samran says he has long known about the problem and that his officers are still working on “a temporary solution”.

“We all know that this issue arises due to the improper treatment of wastewater,” says Mr Ma-ann. “At this stage, all we can do is to ask nearby hotels and vendors to control their waste.”

Mr Ma-ann has confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that he has been working on a water treatment system for his area for a year “in order to “find a permanent solution”.

“The project is expected to be completed in six months. Please be patient, as everyone needs to understand how budget appeals work in Thailand. We have to go through a lot of procedures and paperwork,” said Mr Ma-ann.

— Winai Sarot