As the sun casts golden rays over the tranquil shores of Thailand, eager tourists with cameras in hand flock to the renowned Samila Beach in Songkhla province. This picturesque locale has recently secured the coveted title of having the cleanest seawater in all of Thailand, an accolade that shines as brightly as its sun-kissed sands. While families and travelers capture memories against this stunning backdrop, the recent unveiling by the Pollution Control Department reveals both pristine paradises and less savory swim spots across the nation.
On a balmy Tuesday, Director-General Preeyaporn Suwanaged introduced the “best and worst” list, derived from an extensive seawater-quality survey conducted at 210 coastal locations nationwide throughout the year. This report shed light on an intriguing mix, where 49% of the surveyed locations boasted good quality seawater. Meanwhile, 43% hovered at moderate levels, leaving 6% tinged with deterioration and a starkly unfortunate 2% plagued by high deterioration levels.
Southern Thailand emerged as a beacon of purity, with its beaches dominating the top ten rankings. At the pinnacle of cleanliness resides Samila Beach, with its azure waters drawing admiration near and far. Hot on its heels is the breathtaking Nai Harn Beach in the idyllic island of Phuket. Krabi, a province synonymous with natural beauty, rocked the charts with Ton Sai Beach, the globally acclaimed Maya Beach, and the scenic Lo Samah Bay making triumphant appearances. Not to be outdone, the islands Koh Yung and Koh Kai in Krabi added their names to this illustrious list, joined by the serene Thai Mueang Beach in Phangnga, the tranquil Bang Ben Beach in Ranong, and the serene Ban Thung Rin Beach in Satun.
However, not all stretches of shoreline bask in similar glory. A deeper dive into the Department’s findings reveals areas marred by pollution, with Samut Prakan province being a notable mention. Here, the murky waters of the Chao Phraya River estuary take an unenviable lead as the most polluted. The notorious title is further underscored by waters near bleach and dye factories, and the 12 Thanwa Canal estuary, both also in Samut Prakan. Chon Buri’s Laem Chabang and the Tha Chin River estuary in Samut Sakhon close out the top five infamously tainted locations.
Preeyaporn highlighted an overarching trend observed over the past decade, where a promising narrative emerges: 90% of the Thai coasts reflect seawater quality that ranges from moderate to high. The shimmering shores of the Andaman Sea coast especially stand out for their cleanliness, contrasting sharply with murkier measurements found in the inner Gulf of Thailand.
Unraveling the causes of coastal pollution unveils a common culprit, as nutrients and bacteria find their way into the open waters, leaving their mark on the environment. This silent intrusion underscores a vital need for continual awareness and proactive conservation efforts along Thailand’s otherwise stunning coastlines.
As you fill your camera with iconic shots and bask in the sensory joys of the seaside, be mindful of the stories these waters tell. From the glistening, untouched beaches of the South to the cautionary tales of pollution, each locale offers more than just a moment in time – they invite all visitors to cherish, respect, and safeguard the natural treasures of Thailand for generations to come.
Finally! Samila Beach has always been my favorite, and I’m so glad it’s recognized for its cleanliness. It totally deserves the recognition.
Not surprised! Southern Thailand beaches are much better than any other location in the country. Just facts.
They may be clean now, but I wonder how long it will last. Tourism can be pretty damaging.
Good point, travel_enthusiast. Let’s hope the authorities implement sustainable tourism practices.
Seems like only certain beaches get the spotlight. What about locals living near the polluted areas? They need attention and action first!
It’s disgraceful that places like the Chao Phraya River estuary are still polluted. Industries should be held accountable!
Agreed, but who’s going to make them accountable when money’s involved? It’s always about profit over planet.
I think there’s pressure from both sides. We need more NGOs and local movements.
Anyone been to Krabi recently? I hear Maya Beach is still gorgeous despite the increase in tourists.
It’s beautiful but also quite crowded. The authorities should manage visitor numbers better.
Totally agree, NatureLover. They should control it or it’ll end up like much of the Gulf beaches!
Stats are showing improvement, but can we trust them? Just because someone says it’s clean doesn’t mean it is.
Every time I visit Southern Thailand, I’m amazed by how stunning their beaches are. Even more reason to protect them.
You’re right, Larry. Protection is key. Every visitor should do their part too!
Why isn’t Nai Harn Beach ever mentioned more often? It’s just as beautiful, if not more, than Samila Beach!
Nai Harn has been a local gem for ages. But sometimes the lesser-known spots are better left off the tourist radar to keep them pristine.
They should clean the worst locations first. Focus on the bad before celebrating the good.
Sounds great in theory, but have you seen the red tape in environmental policy? Change is slow.
What actions are being taken to maintain the quality of these clean beaches? Is there any educational programming for tourists?
Education is vital, but so is enforcement. Tourists and locals must know the consequences of neglect.
We need a balance of both education and strict rules. Punishments for littering could help!
Living in Songkhla, I see both the good and bad. Clean beaches are great, but our local waters need attention too.
What about the biodiversity in these clean spots? Healthy seawater supports marine life too.
Absolutely! Clean water equals thriving ecosystems. It’s a cycle of benefits.
Is this report used in schools to educate children on environmental conservation? If not, why?
I visited Samila Beach last year, and it’s heartening to see their efforts getting recognized. But what about the plastics problem?
That’s a whole other issue! Plastic waste is damaging, and awareness is key.
Sadly, I saw plastic bottles on the beach then. Hopefully, the awareness has helped reduce that.
Southern Thailand beaches give me hope that natural beauty can be preserved, even amidst tourism.
Focus should also be on improving city-water management. Once that’s sorted, beaches can remain pure naturally.