Ocean waste and on-shore trash have become one of the most pressing environmental issues faced around the world. Despite being known as one of the best beach destinations in the world, Thailand has been ranked amongst top ten contributors of plastic waste pollution to oceans.
Bangsaen Beach, which is located in Saensuk Municipality of Chonburi Province, is one of Thailand’s tourist destinations threatened by trash every year after monsoon season. A large amount of marine debris gets washed ashore on Bangsaen beach. In addition, the recent statistics show that around 2.7 million tourists visit Bangsaen annually, or approximately over 7,400 people a day. It is estimated that eight pieces of single-use plastic are being used by each visitor, making it challenging for the municipality staff to collect trash thoroughly.
Bangsaen Beach, which is located in Saensuk Municipality of Chonburi Province, is one of Thailand’s tourist destinations threatened by trash every year after monsoon season. A large amount of marine debris gets washed ashore on Bangsaen beach. In addition, the recent statistics show that around 2.7 million tourists visit Bangsaen annually, or approximately over 7,400 people a day. It is estimated that eight pieces of single-use plastic are being used by each visitor, making it challenging for the municipality staff to collect trash thoroughly.
To tackle this, Saensuk Municipality has initiated a ground-up trash pickup and beach clean up activity by partnering with various organizations to help ease the waste problem in the area and sow seeds of environmental awareness to the general public. Grab Thailand, is one such private organization who champions environmental sustainability and is proactively working with the authorities to solve environmental issues. Recently, Grab Thailand hosted an activity “Grab Driver-Partners Save the Beach”, rallying the strength of over 100 driver-partners, including GrabCar and GrabTaxi, to work hand in hand to collect garbage and clean Bangsaen Beach and the surrounding areas.
Kritamait Vithayaruksun, Public Affairs Manager of Grab Thailand commented, “As a socially responsible corporate citizen, this beach cleaning initiative is a part of our ‘Grab for Good’ commitment to drive environmental sustainability in Thailand. We are happy that our driver-partners find meaning in joining Grab to save the environment and marine life. Sustainability has always been embedded in Grab’s business model. Besides introducing green mobility services such as electric Tuk Tuk in Chiang Mai, we are also encouraging the reduction of single use plastic for our GrabFood service. For instance, we have integrated an in-app feature for customers to choose whether they need plastic cutlery, and also partnered with various like-minded green advocates to encourage merchant-partners to use eco-friendly paper bags instead of single-use plastic bags.”
Kritamait Vithayaruksun, Public Affairs Manager of Grab Thailand commented, “As a socially responsible corporate citizen, this beach cleaning initiative is a part of our ‘Grab for Good’ commitment to drive environmental sustainability in Thailand. We are happy that our driver-partners find meaning in joining Grab to save the environment and marine life. Sustainability has always been embedded in Grab’s business model. Besides introducing green mobility services such as electric Tuk Tuk in Chiang Mai, we are also encouraging the reduction of single use plastic for our GrabFood service. For instance, we have integrated an in-app feature for customers to choose whether they need plastic cutlery, and also partnered with various like-minded green advocates to encourage merchant-partners to use eco-friendly paper bags instead of single-use plastic bags.”
Pornthep Kanawong, a GrabTaxi driver-partner who participated in the activity shared that “I have never realized that the environment is a big issue until joining this activity. Each and everyone of us has a responsibility to help reduce the problem of waste disposal. While beach cleanup is a good start, it might not be the way to solve problem at the root cause. I think it is more important that we rethink how we use plastics, and minimize single-use as much as possible. We could also consider reusing, recycling or even segregating waste before disposal.”
Pattaraphol Monklung, Official of Public Health and Environment Division, Saensuk Municipality said “At Bangsaen, most of trash comes from the sea, while the rest are from tourists. Despite the fact that we have staff assigned to clean the beach since early morning, and all day long, our efforts are never enough because small pieces of trash such as cigarette butts, plastic straw or even rubber bands are hidden below the surface. We are glad that various organizations, from both public and private sectors, as well as individuals, are now more aware of the waste problem and lending a helping hand. The environmental issues we faced are not the sole responsibility of any one group or organization, everybody should help out. We do hope this activity would spark greater awareness towards a positive change in the future.”
“We hope that today’s beach cleanup activity with our driver-partners not only helps generate greater environmental awareness, but will also provide an opportunity for our driver-partners to take some time off the roads and show their volunteer spirit in giving back to the society.” added Kritamait.
