Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD), the state agency responsible for the monitoring and management of environmental quality in coastal areas, initiated its Beach Index Project in 2002 as part of efforts to protect and improve the environmental quality of natural beaches for sustainable tourism activities.
The Beach Index Project employs a star rating system and provides a valuable mechanism for assessing and monitoring the environmental quality of beaches around Thailand.
The PCD based its assessment of environmental quality on the following key criteria:
Environmental quality and level of pollution, natural conditions, effectiveness in environmental management and tourism management. The results are classified according to the following ‘star’ ratings.
Star Rating |
Status of Environmental Quality |
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Excellent |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Poor |
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Very Poor |
Over 150 beaches have been included in the Beach Index Project since 2007. The total increased to 195 in 2008. The environmental status for the majority of the beaches has steadily improved with the number of beaches rated ‘four-star’ having increased from 36 per cent in 2002 to 75 per cent in 2006. The trend reflects efforts that have been undertaken by local agencies to address problems related to environmental quality in their areas of responsibility.
The following beaches top the PCD’s Beach Index for environmental quality and effective environmental as well as tourism management.
| BEACHES SCORING 5-STARS |
| Krabi Province |
Bi-Leh Beach on Koh Hong island |
| Satun Province |
Koh Lidi Beach
Koh Adang Beach on Koh Adang island |
| BEACHES SCORING 4.5-STARS |
| REGION/PROVINCE |
| CENTRAL THAILAND |
|
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province |
Wa Ghor Beach
Ao Manao Beach |
| SOUTHERN THAILAND |
| Chumphon Province |
Tung Wua Laen Beach
Bang Burd Beach |
| Krabi Province |
Klong Dao Beach on Koh Lanta island |
| Nakhon Si Thammarat Province |
Khao Plai Dum Beach |
| Phang-nga Province |
Thai Mueang Beach
Nang Thong Beach
Bang Sak Beach |
| Phuket Province |
Karon Beach
Nai Harn Beach |
| Surat Thani Province |
Na Tab Beach, Muu Koh Ang Thong |
KRABI PROVINCE
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Bi-Leh Beach on Koh Hong island ()
Bi-Leh Beach, a gently sloping beach with fine powdery white sand and crystal clear water, sits between Bi-Leh Bay and Koh Hong. Known for its shallow water as well as deepwater coral reefs, teeming with marine life, snorkelling and swimming are popular activities.
Season: November to April |
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SATUN PROVINCE
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Koh Lidi Beach ()
A clean and orderly beach situated in the Muu Koh Phetra Marine National Park, 7 kilometres from Pak Bara Pier. A gently sloping beach with powdery white sand and several bays and coves, Koh Lidi Beach is ideal for swimming.
Season: November to April |
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Koh Adang Beach on Koh Adang island ()
Koh Adang Beach is noted for its scenic beach landscape with fine white sand set against a backdrop of shady sea pine. In the distance, the sea is dotted with small islands stretching all the way to the Malaysian border.
An excellent vantage point for enjoying a spectacular sunrise or sunset.
Season: November to May |
BEACHES SCORING 4.5-STARS
CENTRAL THAILAND
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
|
Wa Ghor Beach
This long stretch of beach with fine white sand offers peace and quiet. It is also of historical significance. During the reign of King Mongkut or Rama IV, one of the most revered monarchs of the country and the fourth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, ruling from 1851-1868, King Mongkut predicted that there would be a solar eclipse and travelled to Wa Ghor Beach to witness the event on 18 August 1868.
Season: All year |
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Ao Manao Beach
Enjoy the natural beauty along this clean beach which comes under the supervision of Wing 53 of the Royal Thai Air Force. The beach, however, is open to visitors. On-site accommodation is available, with access to shops and a clubhouse.
Season: All year |
SOUTHERN THAILAND
Chumphon Province
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Thung Wua Laen Beach
Located in Patiew district, Thung Wua Laen is perhaps Chumphon’s most popular beach. The gently sloping beach with its fine powdery white sand stretches into the distance and is ideal for swimming.
Season: February to May |
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Bang Burd Beach
This broad curved bay with clean reddish-brown sand and clear water is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a peaceful panoramic mountain view. Ideal for swimming.
Season: February to May |
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
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Khao Plai Dum Beach
Located in Si Chon district, 86 kilometres from Nakhon Si Thammarat, this gently sloping beach with its ivory sand is part of the southern sea marine conservation zone and offers a quiet corner for rest and relaxation or swimming. |
Phang-nga Province
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Thai Mueang Beach
Located in the Khao Lamphi — Hat Thai Mueang National Park, the 13-kilometre long Hat Thai Mueang is a spectacular beach with crystal clear waters. Between November and February each year, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Season: November to April |
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Nang Thong Beach
This long stretch of white sandy beach with several crescent-shaped bays and coves is set against a lush backdrop of forested hills. Nang Thong Beach sits in the centre of Khao Lak Beach and is a popular place for foreign visitors to swim, sunbathe, go for a stroll or just chill out.
Season: November to April |
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Bang Sak Beach
Located in the sub-district of Tambon Bang Muang of Takua Pa district, this long strip of beach with clean white sand is lined with casuarina trees. Its tranquil and breathtaking natural landscape and crystal clear sea provide a peaceful setting for enjoying spectacular sunsets, or simply for rest and relaxation and, swimming.
Season: November to April |
Phuket Province
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Karon Beach
This long, broad beach with powdery white sand and palm-fringed sand dunes interspersed with sea pine offers a picture perfect beach landscape.
Season: November to April |
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Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is just north of Phromthep Cape, 18 kilometres from Phuket town. This is a white sandy beach with a gorgeous lagoon known to the locals as Nong Harn Lagoon.
Season: November to April |
Surat Thani Province
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Na Tab Beach, Muu Koh Ang Thong
This small stretch of white sandy beach on Koh Mae Koh island is a serene place. The beach gently slopes into the sea and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Season: February to April |
BEACH INDEX
CRITERIA
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Indicators |
Environmental quality and level of pollution |
Air quality, the presence of garbage in the sea, on the beach, or behind the beach; the presence of oil residue or tar balls; the presence of Coliform bacteria and suspended particles |
Natural conditions: Biodiversity & Environmental Integrity
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Sandbar; diversity of plant species, beach biodiversity – the presence of beach flora and fauna; characteristics of the beach; the extent of coral or beach erosion; the presence of other environmental threats
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Effectiveness of Environmental management
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Water management; water quality at hotels, resorts and establishments; drainage along the beachfront; waste management; encroachment — the presence of temporary or permanent structures; activities that promote protection of the beach; environmental and resources management |
Tourism management
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Dangers/threats to the safety of tourists; landscaping and orderliness; utilization of tourism assets/attractions; the availability of early warning systems; the distribution/provision of environmentally-responsible information for visitors; the availability of amenities; accessibility; public utilities; public participation and involvement in the management of the beach; the promotion of environmentally-friendly/environmentally responsible tourism activities
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