A Preliminary Study on the Composition, Quantity, and Management of Solid Waste from Tourism at Kaw Kwang Beach, Koh Lanta District, Krabi Province, Thailand
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Abstract
This preliminary study explores the composition, quantity, and management of solid waste resulting from tourism activities at Kaw Kwang Beach, located in Ko Lanta District, Krabi Province, Thailand. The study area was divided into three zones: Zone A (pine forest), Zone B (central beach), and Zone C (hotel frontage). Field data were collected ten times during April–May 2024, following the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) methodology. A total of 3,332 waste items, weighing 66.32 kilograms, were recorded. The majority of the waste was general waste, followed by recyclable and hazardous waste. Common items included wooden skewers, plastic bags, and cigarette butts, reflecting tourist behavior and coastal activities. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey HSD revealed a significant difference in waste quantity in Zone B compared to Zones A and C. The current waste management practices were found to be non-compliant with the Ministerial Regulation on Sanitation B.E. 2560 (2017), with issues such as lack of waste separation, uncovered bins, and uncontrolled landfill disposal. Despite these challenges, some waste items, such as plastic bottle caps, were creatively repurposed into flower pots by local schools. The study recommends promoting plastic reduction, enhancing community and tourist education, and improving waste management systems to protect the coastal environment and support sustainable tourism.
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References
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