Black water crisis: Pollution hits Kamala Beach again
Phuket’s paradise image is once again under threat as black wastewater was seen gushing onto Kamala Beach, where unsuspecting tourists and locals swim. Despite repeated promises of urgent action, pollution continues to plague the island’s beaches, raising serious health concerns.
Following public outrage, Pollution Control Department (PCD) Director General Preeyaporn Suwannaket ordered an urgent investigation into the foul-smelling wastewater contaminating the beach.
The probe was launched after Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on was alerted to the crisis on February 7.
Officials from the Phuket Environmental and Pollution Control Region 15 Office (PEO 15) inspected the scene the following morning, confirming that polluted water was flowing from a public canal connected to local runoff.
The canal’s surface water appeared cloudy and white but beneath it, black sludge extended 250 metres into the sea, emitting a foul odour.
According to the PCD, Kamala’s wastewater treatment system, managed by the Wastewater Management Organisation (WMO), is only processing 30% of its capacity, as the pumping station is situated at a higher elevation than the wastewater level. This has allowed untreated waste to flow directly into the ocean.
Officials have outlined short-term fixes, including spraying microorganisms on the canal and beach to reduce odours, placing microorganism tanks along the canal, and installing a temporary water pump to increase processing capacity.
As a long-term solution, plans are in place to construct two additional wastewater pumping stations and improve the wastewater collection system.
Local businesses and residents have been warned to comply with disposal regulations, with officials set to inspect hotels and laundromats and report their findings by February 14.
Despite these pledges, black wastewater continues to stain Phuket’s world-famous beaches. Similar issues were reported last year in Patong, Karon, Bang Tao, and Cherng Talay, yet solutions remain elusive.
Officials assure the public that monitoring will continue, but frustrated residents and tourists question whether real action will ever be taken, reported The Phuket News.
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