Officials, residents and community representatives from Phuket and Phang Nga provinces in Thailand attended a second public consultation for the Port Macchanu superyacht marina project on 26 August to discuss the study and proposed measures before submitting its environmental impact assessment report.

Held at Mai Khao Palm Beach Resort in Mai Khao sub-district, the meeting was attended by Manoon Wiboonkij, Phang Nga provincial industry officer, and Khanittha Chumkaew, general administrative officer representing the Phuket provincial industry office. Sarofat Billateh, senior professional engineer representing the Industrial Factory Group, also attended, while Thammarong Chuayaksorn, senior deputy district chief of Thalang, presided over the meeting.

Residents and community representatives from both Phuket and Phang Nga were also present at the consultation, as the proposed project is located in the Tha Nun Canal area between the two provinces, opposite Ban Laem Hin in Lo Yung sub-district, Takua Thung district.

During the meeting, the project’s consulting company presented the results of the first public consultation, an update on the recommendations received, findings from the environmental study and outlined construction impacts. Participants raised concerns about coastal fishing livelihoods and measures to prevent oil spills, wastewater and solid waste from the marina’s future operations. They also discussed the potential effects of waves generated by large vessels on seagrass and marine life, and called for clear measures on liability and compensation if the project affects local people or natural resources.

The consultation proposed visits to communities in both Phuket and Phang Nga to gather views directly from people who could be affected by the project. The Phang Nga provincial industry office said feedback would be collected for inclusion in the EIA report before it is submitted to the relevant authorities.

According to the Thai Yachting Business Association’s September 2022 report, the project aims to develop a superyacht marina facility and support marine tourism in Phuket and Thailand, with a proposed 40-berth marina for vessels of up to 50 metres, along with a crew lounge, gym, swimming pool, restaurant, shops, supermarket and convention hall.

Images from Phang Nga provincial industry office.