PATTAYA, Thailand – A unique environmental initiative known as the “Garbage Boat” project was launched by local residents and the “Koh Larn Smile” volunteer group. The project, led by Songkold Kwanmueng, also known as “Kai Kong,” aims to promote environmental awareness and inspire the local community to address the growing problem of marine waste. The boat was constructed using discarded materials such as plastic bottles, bamboo, used oil drums, and ghost nets collected from Sam Beach, transforming what was once waste into a useful asset.
The initiative not only raises awareness about the importance of waste management but also contributes to keeping Koh Larn’s beaches clean. The boat is expected to be used for collecting waste around the island’s shores and could serve as a model for building boats to assist in flood rescue operations in the future. With 70% of the boat now complete, the project has already made significant progress and is seen as a positive step toward sustainable tourism and environmental conservation on the island.
Songkold emphasized the importance of each individual’s role in protecting the environment and maintaining the beauty of Koh Larn. He encouraged visitors to the island to contribute by simply disposing of their waste properly and sorting trash, highlighting that “everything has value if we know how to create it.”
