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Patong beach waves gave a little and asked a lot today

Phuket Beach Water Quality Tested

Friday, August 23, 2013
PHUKET:It was high tide in Patong today . . . and high time for a change in Phuket's approach to the sea and the marine environment.

For the first time, marine researchers were sampling the quality of seawater at Patong beach, right on the beach. For the first time, the results from Patong and Phuket's other beaches will be published.

And for the first time, there's hope that a turning point has been reached in Phuket's attitude towards the sea and the bounty it delivers to the island in terms of tourism.

Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud apparently liked what he saw today. He could have stayed five minutes, said a few things, and moved on.

Instead, the governor stayed and stayed today, asking how the process works then personally briefing a couple of journalists who turned up late for his talk.

The level of media interest was a good sign, too. The significance of the tests of seawater quality should be taught to everybody on Phuket.

If the seawater is kept clean and healthy, Phuket has a future forever as a tourist destination. If the seawater is allowed to become polluted, tourism on Phuket will be short-lived.

Dr Pornsri Suthanarak, Director of Regional Environment Office 15, Phuket, and Dr Daroonwan Schwartz, Laboratory Specialist at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, supervised today's sample-taking.

More samples are to be taken each two months at beaches all around Phuket, on the beach and 100 metres offshore.

Governor Maitree said it was ''all about the safety of the seawater.''

Dr Pornsri said: ''Whatever the quality is, we are going to let people know. We want them to feel safe in the water, or to know where they can go to feel safe.''

Initial results showed today's Patong sampling was within the acceptable range but the tests for bacteria will produce results in about five days.

Looking on today was France's honorary consul designate, Claude De Crissey. Support for the tests has also come from Germany honorary consul Dirk Naumann and the Netherlands honorary consul, Seven Smulders.

Comments

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I drove past this testing earlier today, had I realised the guv'nr himself was there I would have stopped & got my wife to ask a few testing questions. Or point out not 200m away the 3/4 illegal black cabs parked on the road

Posted by Paul on August 23, 2013 15:06

Editor Comment:

It would be simpler to make an appointment and visit the Governor in Phuket City, Paul, or write him a letter.

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A few years ago, working out some act in anti-corruption law system in parliament, my boss gave me instructions about how some articles should look like (he got it from government office). If applied, these instructions would change most of good intentions of this act. I refused to do and been proposed to leave position. I hope we will get honest results without interference from the side of interested persons.

Posted by Stranger on August 23, 2013 16:47

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What could have been simpler than stopping? Had I been without my guests. Although I may just make an appointment, just to see if he will take it....

Posted by paul on August 24, 2013 08:25

Editor Comment:

I wonder how many expat residents would buttonhole the governor if they happened to spot him at an event that has nothing to do with what's on your mind? It could be misinterpreted as rudeness, or even arrogance. If you have something to say that hasn't been said a thousand times, best organise a meeting through your honorary consul or embassy.

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Arrognace or otherwise, at least I would have the knowledge that I asked the questions that concern me and my family.

ED - was a reason given for the 2 month frequency cycle? or is this a standard testing cycle? It seems a little infrequent, but perhaps there is reason to it?

Posted by paul on August 24, 2013 09:23

Editor Comment:

Everything in Thailand comes down to funding. If the seawater tests are gradually considered to be more important then they would be conducted more often.

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Most things, gov't related, in most countries come down to funding. In Thailand a great deal of things come down to 'face', I assume no mention of frequency was made in the demonstration? Either way, something has to be better than nothing! Where & when can results be expected?

Posted by Paul on August 24, 2013 10:43

Editor Comment:

As the article says, the results on bacterial levels should be known within five days. Tests every two months, at beaches all around Phuket.

You'll find 'face' is an issue for bureaucrats in every country. The sooner people stop assuming 'face' is involved, the faster progress will come. Assumptions are the problem.

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My question where and what language these results will be published is reasonable. Why was it not printed? Grrr.

Posted by Fiesty Farang on August 24, 2013 12:08

Editor Comment:

When we have an answer, we will let you - and everybody else - know.

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I walked along Patong beach today and the water was a brown sludge, you could see it drift from west to east, the beach should have been closed. Such visible high levels of effluent will kill tourism in Phuket unless dealt with

Posted by Simon on February 9, 2014 17:02


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