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As part of Thailand’s plans for future development of its tourism industry to be sustainable, Phuket’s public and private sectors recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a ground breaking ‘No Foam No Plastic’ initiative.

Agreed at the recent Phuket Sustainable Tourism Blueprint 2018 earlier this month, the MOU was signed by key private and public sector stakeholders on the island including Phuket Province and heads of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, Phuket Tourism Council, Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, Phuket Industrial Council, Patong Hotels Association, Kata-Karon Hotels Association and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.

Commenting on the initiative, TAT Governor, Yuthasak Supasorn stated “this is an important step in the right direction in line with the Thai government’s ‘Thailand 4.0’ sustainable tourism development goal. Hopefully, Phuket will be a positive case study that the whole country could follow.

“The importance of Phuket as one of Thailand’s most high profile tourist destinations shouldn’t be under estimated.”

The Phuket Sustainable Tourism Blueprint 2018 discussed the direction and timeframe on the collaboration from all stakeholders towards sustainable tourism development.

It includes what it calls an ‘SCG’ strategy, to be: S – Safe and Smart, C- Clean and Convenience and G- Green and Global. All are earmarked with the utmost urgency for concurrent actions on Phuket-wide ‘Clean and Green’ challenges.

Under the MOU, the local administration plans to promote a ‘No Foam, No Plastic’ effort with local shops and the people effective as of 14th February next year, which will see them stop using foam containers for food or other items. Then, from 1st October 2019, this effort will be encouraged for the people to switch entirely to paper or eco-friendly bags and straw.

The tourism sector will also inspire business partners to do the same from February 2019.

Image: Phuket's popular Patong Beach.

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