Phuketwan News Analysis/Opinion
ENVIRONMENTAL safeguards are being ignored and Phuket's future is at risk unless developers are reined in, the island's Chief of the Natural Resources and Environment Department, Ong-art Chanachanmongkol, said at a seminar yesterday.
He told 150 Phuket construction industry representatives, resort owners and managers, consultants and local authorities that the environment was often ignored, damaged and destroyed by people who failed to keep their promises and undertakings.
''These environmental promises are important pieces of paper because the Phuket beaches and the reefs are why people come here,'' he said. ''It may seem easy to avoid undertakings, but in the end, it will ruin Phuket.''
By coincidence, Khun Ong-art's Phuket call came just as US President Barack Obama was berating BP oil company officials for ducking responsibility for a hugely damaging oil rig spill off the US coast.
Although the conference room at the Katina Hotel in Phuket City is a long way from the White House in Washington, the points both men were making bore striking similarities.
Khun Ong-art urged greater consideration for the big picture and for the future of Phuket, not just for a quick saving or a profit.
Protecting the environment is vital. And as with so many aspects of life on Phuket and along the Andaman coast, one thing makes it possible to bend most rules, for the money-hungry to get what they want: corruption.
Phuketwan is prepared to go further than Khun Ong-art did and say this: As long as corruption continues to flourish on and around Phuket, there can be no balance between development and Phuket's best interests.
Corruption is at odds with Phuket's increasingly desperate need to maintain its reputation as a tropical holiday destination that preserves its beaches and reefs for future generations.
One Malaysian destination that attracted 200,000 visitors last year is aiming for 160,000 this year - so that its beauty can be saved.
Protecting Phuket's environment without fear or favor or consideration of profit should be where the holiday island makes its stand against corruption. It's a matter of life and death.
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"Phuket's increasingly desperate need (is) to maintain its reputation as a tropical holiday destination that preserves its beaches and reefs for future generations."
One could add "and its natural environment" otherwise nothing more need be said.
Please do not destroy the "magic" of your beautiful island that I first discovered over 20 years ago and have experienced on so many occasions since.
Why do you think we come here. Certainly not for 'Big Macs', 'KFC' 'Hard Rock' and flash high rise resorts.
Your future is in your hands - and minds!
Posted by rfdunedin on May 15, 2010 14:06