Video Report: Truck caught dumping near Nai Harn Beach

PHUKET: Island officials are looking for the owner of a truck who was caught dumping rubbish near Nai Harn Beach on June 6.

The hunt began after PGTV sent a video clip to Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos that showed men in a pick-up truck unloading construction site refuse into what has quickly developed into an illegal dumping ground just 100 meters from Nai Harn Beach – ranked by TripAdvisor as the third best beach in Asia (story here).

“As the video caught the licence plate of the truck, it will be easy to find them. We will ask the Phuket Land Transport Office [PLTO] to track down the owner and then we can fine them,” Mr Aroon told Phuket Gazette on Tuesday. “The maximum fine is 2,000 baht,”

As of this morning, however, the culprit had not yet been caught, Mr Aroon confirmed.

Mr Aroon claims that because the fine is so low, people are not worried about being caught illegally dumping rubbish.

“We have done our best to keep the area clean and have even posted signs. However, we cannot change people’s habits,” he said.

“To completely solve this problem, they have to start with themselves and start loving their community more. Please, let’s help each other keep our country clean.”

Since the area is now the focus of a new public exercise park project, the municipality will be keeping and even closer eye on the issue.

“The park project is now under auction, and construction will be starting soon,” Mr Aroon confirmed.

“The project is expected to be complete in next two months. I think this might help make the area more organized and clean. Both local and tourists can enjoy the park and exercise there.”

— Kongleaphy Keam