Thai resort island Phuket grapples with growing garbage crisis

Plastic bottles and empty beer cans roll on the sea floor in the waters around Phuket in southern Thailand, while ever more garbage piles up on the island itself, a tourist hotspot better known for its pristine beaches and stunning sunsets.

In one corner of the island, trucks and tractors trundle back and forth moving piles of trash around a sprawling landfill, the final destination for much of the more than 1,000 tonnes of waste collected on Phuket every day.

In a matter of months, the landfill has grown so large it has replaced the previous serene mountain view from Vassana Toyou's home.
"There is no life outside the house, (we) just stay at home," she said. "The smell is very strong, you have to wear a mask."

To cope with the stench, Vassana said she keeps her air conditioner and air purifiers switched on all the time, doubling her electricity bill.
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, has undergone rapid development due to its tourism sector, a major driver of the Thai economy as a whole. Of the country's 35.5 million foreign arrivals in 2024, about 13 million headed to the island.

"The growth of (Phuket) city has been much more rapid than it should be," said Suppachoke Laongphet, deputy mayor of the island's main municipality, explaining how a tourism and construction boom has pushed trash volumes above pre-COVID levels.

By the end of year, the island could be producing up to 1,400 tonnes of trash a day, overwhelming its sole landfill, he said.

Authorities are pushing ahead with plans to cut waste generation by 15% in six months, expand the landfill and build a new incinerator, he said, as the island strives to become a more sustainable tourist destination.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-resorta-island-phuket-grapples-with-growing-garbage-crisis-2025-01-16/

Comprehension

What is the main environmental issue faced by Phuket, as described in the article?
How much trash does Phuket produce daily, and how has this changed recently?
What are the challenges faced by Vassana Toyou, a resident near the landfill?
What factors have contributed to the rapid growth of trash on the island?
What measures are being proposed by the authorities to address the trash problem?

Discussion

How do you think tourism affects the environment in popular destinations?
Have you ever visited a place that struggled with pollution or waste? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think some places struggle with waste management despite being popular tourist spots?
What could tourists do to help reduce waste in destinations they visit?
Do you think the tourism industry should take more responsibility for managing waste? Why or why not?
How do you feel about the idea of expanding landfills to handle more waste?
What other solutions might be effective in reducing waste in tourist areas?
Would you visit a place knowing that it is facing serious environmental issues like waste? Why or why not?
How important do you think it is for cities to balance development and environmental sustainability?
What role do you think local governments should play in keeping tourist destinations clean?

Vocabulary

Landfill – A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.
Pristine – Remaining in a pure or unspoiled state.
Trundle – To move or roll slowly and heavily.
Serene – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Stench – A strong and unpleasant smell.
Sustainable – Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources or harming the environment.
Incinerator – A machine or facility used to burn waste materials.
Municipality – A city or town with its own local government.