Koh Samui:Two days of intensive cleanup operations have resulted in the removal of 20 tons of marine debris from the beaches of Koh Samui. This significant effort was a collaboration between the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and various local entities.

According to Thai News Agency, the initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who expressed his gratitude to all involved parties, including DMCR officials, Koh Samui Municipality, local agencies, Members of Parliament from Surat Thani Province, community leaders, business operators, and volunteer networks. The cleanup focused on the beach in front of the W Hotel Koh Samui and aimed to mitigate the environmental and tourism impact caused by marine debris.

Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the DMCR, tasked Mr. Chaiyapoom Sittiwan, Director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 4, to lead the operation alongside Koh Samui Municipality and other local bodies. The cleanup addressed approximately 270 meters of beach where the majority of debris consisted of organic waste, mainly wood scraps. Koh Samui Municipality utilized a backhoe to collect about 15,000 kilograms of debris, while the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 4 installed nets to prevent further spread.

On the following day, the cleanup continued with the assistance of Surat Thani Province's Members of Parliament, led by Mr. Pipit Rattanarak. They worked with local leaders and volunteer networks to remove an additional 5,000 kilograms of debris, bringing the total to 20,000 kilograms over the two-day operation.

The Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 4 plans to maintain coordination with relevant agencies and community groups to ensure the ongoing systematic management and disposal of marine debris, emphasizing the importance of preventing its recurrence.