Thai resort island moves against plastic and foam

The Thai holiday island of Phuket is aiming to make a stand against polution with public and private sectors having signed a ground breaking "No Foam No Plastic"' initiative at the Phuket Sustainable Tourism Blueprint meeting. 

The MOU was signed by key private and public sector stakeholders on the island including Phuket Province and heads of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, Phuket Tourism Council, Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, Phuket Industrial Council, Patong Hotels Association, Kata-Karon Hotels Association and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, said: "This is an important step in the right direction in line with the Thai government's Thailand 4.0 sustainable tourism development goal. Hopefully, Phuket will be a positive case study that the whole country could follow.

"The importance of Phuket as one of Thailand's most high-profile tourist destinations shouldn't be underestimated."

The Phuket Sustainable Tourism Blueprint 2018 group discussed the direction and time frame on the collaboration from all stakeholders towards sustainable tourism development. 

It outlined a strategy of SCG: S – Safe and Smart, C- Clean and Convenience and G- Green and Global. 

Under the MOU, the local administration plans to promote a 'No Foam, No Plastic' effort with local shops and the people from February 14, 2019, which will see them stop using foam containers for food or other items. 

Then, as from October 1, 2019, this effort will be encouraging people to switch entirely to paper or eco-friendly bags and straw.

The tourism sector will also inspire business partners to do the same.