Patong in Shock! Seaweed Invades Beach for Over 1.5 km, Tourists Alarmed, Urge Government to Investigate Urgently
Patong in Shock! Seaweed Invades Beach for Over 1.5 km, Tourists Alarmed, Urge Government to Investigate Urgently — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
A mass of seaweed blanketed more than 1.5 kilometers of Patong Beach in Phuket on April 8, alarming tourists and prompting calls for urgent government investigation. The thick growth stretched along the shoreline, visibly impacting the beach’s appearance and causing visitors to avoid swimming, local reporters observed.
Unclear Cause, Official Response, and Expert Analysis
No definitive cause for the seaweed surge has been confirmed, according to Patong municipal officials. Deputy Mayor Awut Nuchet said possible factors include wind-driven accumulation or rapid growth triggered by wastewater discharge but stressed that authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies for immediate investigation.
Assistant Professor Dr. Wipavee Dammee, from Prince of Songkla University’s Phuket campus, attributed the phenomenon to high nutrient levels in Patong Bay. She cited nutrients from urban runoff and long-accumulated sediment, combined with seasonal sunlight and warm temperatures, as drivers for the proliferation of green seaweed such as Ulva and Cladophora, and red varieties like Hypnea and Gracilaria.
Dr. Wipavee noted that this event has recurred several times since January. She recommended reducing nutrient discharge at the source, improving wastewater treatment capacity, and consistent septic tank maintenance by local residents and businesses to address the issue.
Source: https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/5762422/
