Challenges Persist for Sustainable Tourism in Phuket

Phuket's Vision for Sustainable Tourism

Phuket, a renowned tourist destination in Thailand, is striving to become a model of sustainable tourism. However, there are still several areas that require improvement, according to Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation.

Mr. Bhummikitti highlighted that Phuket is set to host two significant global events in 2026: the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit in April and the Global Wellness Summit in November. These events present an opportunity for Phuket to solidify its position as Asia’s hub for sustainable health and wellness, thereby contributing to the nation’s global wellness economy.

The island has been a major tourist attraction for over four decades. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in tourism, but the Phuket Sandbox scheme played a crucial role in accelerating its recovery by quickly bringing back visitors, he said.

Despite these efforts, Mr. Bhummikitti outlined several challenges that Phuket must address to achieve true sustainability.

Key Challenges Facing Phuket

One of the primary issues is the population disparity. Phuket currently has 450,000 registered residents and an additional 1.2 million unregistered residents. This situation creates challenges for tax collection and provincial budget allocation.

He urged residents of Phuket to transfer their household registration to the province and called on large businesses operating there to pay taxes locally. This would help improve the financial stability of the region.

The population surge has placed a heavy burden on utility infrastructure designed for only half a million people. This has led to overcrowding and various issues such as waste management, wastewater treatment, traffic congestion, and an increasing number of children outside the school system.

Waste management is a critical concern. Phuket generates an average of 1,000 tonnes of waste per day, with 40% being organic. Proper separation could reduce the amount sent to incinerators to 600 tonnes daily.

Wastewater generation is at 85,000 cubic metres per day, but treatment capacity is only 55,000 µg/m³, leaving 30,000 µg/m³ untreated. Annual demand reaches 66 million µg/m³, while supply is only 60 million µg/m³, resulting in water shortages. A project to transfer raw water from Ratchaprapha Dam has stalled, exacerbating the problem.

Traffic congestion remains a severe issue. Proposed solutions, such as expanding roads and developing mass transit systems, have not seen progress in the past decade.

Education and Social Issues

Meanwhile, 17,000 children were out of the education system last year, with half being Thai and the other half migrants. Mr. Bhummikitti warned that this could lead to future problems as many of these children may be left out of the job market.

He emphasized that Phuket should be a city that offers long lives and good health. Biodiversity and sustainability, in terms of the economy, society, culture, environment, and management, need to be properly designed. He advocated for improved infrastructure and education to enhance the quality of life on the island.

Future Prospects

With the upcoming global events, Phuket has a unique opportunity to showcase its commitment to sustainability. By addressing the current challenges, the island can transform into a more resilient and environmentally friendly destination. The focus should be on creating a balanced approach that considers economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection.

As Phuket continues to evolve, it must prioritize sustainable practices that benefit both its residents and visitors. This includes investing in infrastructure, improving waste management, enhancing educational opportunities, and ensuring that all members of the community have access to essential services.