Koh Samui:Bangkok The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is urging Thai citizens to raise awareness about marine pollution to prevent the nation’s seas from becoming overwhelmed with waste. The recent sight of over 20 tons of garbage swept ashore on Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, underscores the growing threat posed by marine debris—waste discarded by humans into waterways and seas.
According to Thai News Agency, the majority of this waste originates from land-based activities, with single-use, non-biodegradable plastics making up a significant portion. This pollution severely impacts coral reefs, endangered marine life, and ecosystems within Thailand. Common types of waste in the seas include plastic beverage bottles, shopping bags, glass bottles, candy wrappers, snack bags, and styrofoam food containers. In 2026, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, in collaboration with various sectors, collected over 202,000 kilograms of waste from coastal areas across 24 provinces.
The statistics reveal that plastic accounts for 73.5% of the waste found, with further breakdowns showing significant amounts of thin plastic food packaging, beverage bottles and cans, single-use plastic cups, and containers. This waste leads to the formation of microplastics, posing a silent threat to marine life. Over 300 endangered marine animals died due to waste-related issues in 2025, with sea turtles being significantly affected. Common impacts include waste ingestion and entanglement.
Dr. Thanaphan Chomchuen from the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center explained the efforts to rehabilitate injured sea turtles. These turtles, often harmed by debris, undergo treatment and rehabilitation. The problem of marine debris is a leading cause of sea turtle strandings and deaths.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the importance of systematic management of marine debris. He advocates for promoting a circular economy under the 4R approach—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—to restore marine ecosystems and manage waste efficiently. This initiative aims to transform marine waste into valuable products or innovations, highlighting that marine debris is a pressing issue affecting marine biodiversity and national food security.