Ko Samui, Surat Thani province, 6 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to mark the Thai Environment Day on 4 December, 2019, by organising the “Samui Say No to Plastic” Forum at the International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University.
The event will be a launch pad for numerous activities to boost awareness of the conservation, preservation and development of Ko Samui’s natural resources, and encourage a behavioural change among the public and private sectors and local communities towards plastic usage.
The Forum is being organised with the support and involvement of the Ministry of Interior, Ko Samui District Office, Ko Samui Municipality Surat Thani, Tourism Association of Ko Samui, the Union of Samui People’s Foundation, Trash Hero Ko Samui, Gold Bin @ Samui, UNDP, Bangkok Airways, Tesco Lotus, Big C, Central Department Store, Tops Supermarket, Makro, Seven Eleven, Family Mart, Tesco Lotus Express, Mini Big C, Home Pro and the ARK bar.
Temples and schools will also be involved in the activities to unite the local people to realise the importance of the environment, society, art, culture and tourism.
The highlight of the Forum will be the signing of an MoU to stop using plastic bags in all districts of Ko Samui. That will be followed an awards ceremony for an essay contest and a drawing contest. The 1st prize winner will be awarded 5,000 Baht, 1st runner-up 3,000 Baht, 2nd runner-up 2,000 Baht and a consolation prize of 1,000 Baht.
Two distinguished speakers will make presentations on the importance of marine environmental conservation.
The first speaker will be Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine scientist, author and traveller who won the National Geographic Thailand Explorer Awards 2019. He has contributed to numerous marine protection projects; such as, the reformation of marine parks, restoration of coral reefs, curbing consumption of endangered marine life, and protecting Thai wildlife.
He will be followed by famous Thai singer, Mr. Pakin (Tono) who participated in the rubbish collection activity at Ko Rin, Sattahip district in Chon Buri province last February.
“Tourism is now the lead job creator and economic driver on Ko Samui. Visitors come to enjoy its nature and culture. Promoting an appreciation of the environmental resources is critical to its future. TAT is very thankful to all the sponsors and supporters for their contribution to the cause.”
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor
The event is rooted in a speech delivered by the late King Rama IX on 4 December, 1989, to a group of local people who had come to offer their love and blessings on the occasion of the Royal Birthday on 5 December. The King expressed concern about the environmental problems facing the Thai people and encouraged them to cooperate to seek solutions as part of their civic duty and responsibility, not just for Thailand but for the entire planet.
This speech was subsequently embraced by the National Environment Board, Ministry of Science and Technology, and became the starting point for a broader national protection movement. The Thai Cabinet convened a meeting on 12 November, 1991, and adopted a decision declaring 4 December of every year as Thai Environment Day.
Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 700 km. south of Bangkok. Also known as the Coconut Island, it is one of the kingdom’s most famous and popular attractions, and the third largest island after Phuket and Ko Chang (of Trat province).
More than 2.65 million international and domestic visitors visited Samui in 2018.
TAT is working hard to ensure that the entire Thai tourism industry is aligned in line with the principles of sustainability. Numerous activities and projects are being undertaken regularly to ensure this both independently and in cooperation with the various private sector groupings.
For further information on the Samui clean-up project, please click here.
