Thailand's Andaman coast boasts best seawater quality in 2024
Findings show most significant deterioration in Chao Phraya River estuary in Samut Prakan
The Andaman coast boasts the best seawater quality in the country, with Samila Beach in Songkhla province topping the list, according to a recent report from Thailand's Pollution Control Department (PCD).
The most significant deterioration in seawater quality was seen in the Chao Phraya River estuary in Samut Prakan province.
The director-general of the PCD, Preeyaporn Suwanaged, presented the findings of the department's 2024 coastal seawater quality monitoring programme. The assessment covered 210 monitoring points across Thailand, evaluating seawater quality against established standards across six key categories.
"Water quality serves as a crucial indicator of overall environmental health," Preeyaporn said. "Poor water quality, whether in seawater or freshwater environments, can have detrimental impacts on both plant and animal life."
The report revealed that 49% of monitored sites exhibited good seawater quality, while 43% were classified as fair. Notably, 6% of sites demonstrated degraded water quality, and 2% exhibited very degraded conditions.
The top 10 locations with the best seawater quality were:
- Samila Beach, Songkhla province
- Nai Harn Beach, Phuket
- Tonsai Beach, Krabi
- Maya Bay, Krabi
- Loh Sama Bay, Krabi
- Koh Yung, Krabi
- Koh Kai, Krabi
- Thai Muang Beach, Phang Nga
- Bang Ben Beach, Ranong
- Ban Thung Rin, Satun
The five locations with the most significant deterioration in seawater quality were:
- Chao Phraya River Estuary, Samut Prakan province
- Dyeing Factory, Km. 35, Samut Prakan
- Pak Khlong 12 December, Samut Prakan
- Laem Chabang Southern, Chonburi
- Tha Chin River Estuary, Samut Sakhon
Despite these localised concerns, the PCD reported that overall coastal seawater quality remained relatively stable over the past decade (2015-2024). More than 90% of monitored sites consistently maintained good water quality.
However, the Inner Gulf of Thailand continues to exhibit the highest proportion of sites with very degraded seawater quality, primarily attributed to elevated levels of nutrients and bacteria.
The Andaman region, in contrast, has demonstrated significant improvements in seawater quality over this period, the report said.
