Phuket faces waste management crisis amid surging tourism

*Phuket is facing a waste management crisis due to rapid tourism development and a rising number of visitors, according to Krungthep Turakij's report on Friday.*

Published: 2026-03-14 23:55 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket faces waste management crisis amid surging tourism

Phuket is grappling with a mounting waste management crisis as the island’s tourism sector rebounds, drawing millions of visitors and overwhelming existing infrastructure. According to a recent report by Krungthep Turakij, the popular resort destination in southern Thailand received approximately 13 million visitors in 2023, generating more than 1,100 tonnes of waste each day.

Waste Generation Surges With Tourism in Phuket

The dramatic rise in tourist arrivals has put unprecedented pressure on Phuket’s waste management systems. Of the 35 million foreign tourists who visited Thailand last year, about 13 million visited Phuket alone, making it a significant contributor to the country’s tourism revenue. However, this influx has resulted in daily waste volumes that far exceed the island’s disposal capacity.

Currently, Phuket can process only 300 tonnes of waste per day, leaving over 900 tonnes to be sent to landfills. During the high tourism season, officials warn that waste generation could peak at 1,400 tonnes per day, raising concerns that the province’s landfills could reach capacity within a year.

Incinerator Shutdown and Landfill Pressures

The situation is set to worsen in early 2025 when the waste incinerator managed by PJT Technology for Phuket City Municipality will close for maintenance from February 18 to March 18. This facility shutdown is expected to further strain the island’s waste disposal operations. On February 23-24 alone, between 800 and 900 tonnes of waste were dumped in Phuket’s landfills, according to Supachok Laongpetch, Deputy Mayor of Phuket City Municipality.

Supachok emphasized the need for daily revisions to landfill management strategies to cope with the growing waste problem. He also urged relevant agencies to focus on waste reduction measures to help alleviate the burden on the island’s limited disposal facilities.

Strategies for Sustainable Waste Management in Phuket

In response to the escalating crisis, Phuket authorities have announced plans to reduce 200,000 tonnes of waste within a year. This includes initiatives such as processing waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), which can help decrease landfill volumes. The increase in waste is attributed to a combination of household, tourism, and construction activities following the post-Covid-19 tourism boom.

Experts, including Panet Manomaiwiboon from Burapha University, have called for greater public awareness and participation in waste reduction and separation. Alongside expanding landfill and incinerator capacity, community engagement is seen as essential to achieving sustainable waste management on the island.

What’s Next for Phuket’s Waste Crisis?

As Phuket continues to attract millions of visitors, local authorities face the urgent challenge of scaling up waste management infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices. The upcoming closure of the incinerator in early 2025 and the risk of landfill overflow highlight the need for immediate action. Observers will be watching how the province implements its waste reduction targets and whether new policies can keep pace with the island’s rapid growth.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/sustaination/40046842