PHUKET: The results of tests taken in August along Phuket's coast show seawater was ''generally found in good condition.'' But doubts still remain about the quality of water close to shore, where people swim.
Tests are carried out at 23 points along Phuket's coast 100 metres off shore and 500 metres off shore, in compliance with international standards.
Latest results have been published online in English for the first time, with a color-coded map of Phuket illustrating the results of two-monthly tests extending back 12 months.
The testing is done by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre Marine & Coastal Resources Research & Development Institute.
An independent water quality expert on Phuket consulted by Phuketwan has, however, echoed the views of honorary consuls who would like to have the quality of water tested close to shore and at the mouths of canals.
Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud is known to take an interest in the quality of water at Phuket's beaches and went to Patong in August when samples were taken at high tide.
German honorary consul Dirk Naumann and his Dutch counterpart Seven Smulders supported the idea of tests being taken ''near the shore, where the children play.''
Mr Naumann told a meeting with the governor in August: ''Nobody swims 100 metres off Patong beach.'' It is believed Patong earlier this year lost the chance to stage an international triathlon because of the quality of the seawater.
Questions about the proposed tests close to shore are likely to be asked at the next meeting between the governor and honorary consuls in February.
Results of the August tests can be found at http://www.reo15.net/attachments/906_phuketMarineWQuality2013-Eng.pdf
Tests are carried out at 23 points along Phuket's coast 100 metres off shore and 500 metres off shore, in compliance with international standards.
Latest results have been published online in English for the first time, with a color-coded map of Phuket illustrating the results of two-monthly tests extending back 12 months.
The testing is done by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre Marine & Coastal Resources Research & Development Institute.
An independent water quality expert on Phuket consulted by Phuketwan has, however, echoed the views of honorary consuls who would like to have the quality of water tested close to shore and at the mouths of canals.
Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud is known to take an interest in the quality of water at Phuket's beaches and went to Patong in August when samples were taken at high tide.
German honorary consul Dirk Naumann and his Dutch counterpart Seven Smulders supported the idea of tests being taken ''near the shore, where the children play.''
Mr Naumann told a meeting with the governor in August: ''Nobody swims 100 metres off Patong beach.'' It is believed Patong earlier this year lost the chance to stage an international triathlon because of the quality of the seawater.
Questions about the proposed tests close to shore are likely to be asked at the next meeting between the governor and honorary consuls in February.
Results of the August tests can be found at http://www.reo15.net/attachments/906_phuketMarineWQuality2013-Eng.pdf
I am sure that there are many places they should test, but a start might be where the klong enters the sea on Surin. At worst the water goes black, at best it just stinks.
Posted by FrankieV on December 17, 2013 13:39