Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has introduced a recycled plastic road on Noppharat Beach in the Muang district of Krabi.
The road is about 3km long and made from 10,270kg of single-use plastic waste.
"If we separate plastics from other rubbish, we can upcycle the trash to make a durable road," said Prayoon Pongpan, the chief of the national park.
The upcycling project was initiated by Khao Shong Industry 1979, the producer of Khao Shong instant coffee. It worked with the Green Road project of Asst Prof Wechsawan Lakas, a lecturer at the Industrial Technology Department of the Science and Technology Faculty of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. Wechsawan launched the first recycled plastic road at the campus' Mae Rim district nine years ago. His goal is to eliminate plastic waste.
Over the years, the Green Road project has received tonnes of single-use plastic bags, bottles and boxes from people nationwide. The plastic waste was scrapped and used as material for building plastic roads and recycled blocks in various communities and temples.
For the latest project in Krabi, the recycled plastic road used single-use plastic bags donated to the project, Khao Shong's instant coffee foil packages and plastic trash collected from the sea, said Wechsawan.
Within a month, the road was completed by a team of about 50 park rangers, volunteers and officers of the Provincial Administrative Organisation of Krabi.
The road is 2m wide and snakes through various parts of the park, covering an area of 6,000m². Recycled paving blocks were also used for building walkways and upgrading the floor of campsites.
"The road is the longest and largest recycled road in Southeast Asia," said Wechsawan.
For those who want to support the Green Road project or are interested in building recycled plastic roads, visit facebook/greenroad.international.
Annual travel summit to be held virtually
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Annual Summit 2021 will be organised in a virtual format from April 27-29.
Held under the theme of "Reflect, Reconnect, Revive", the event will present the latest insights, trends and an outlook for the industry.
Programme highlights include the topics "Tourism As A Positive Catalyst", "New Models Of Tourism" and "Revitalising The Industry". Well-known speakers will join panel discussions including Tripadvisor CEO Stephen Kaufer, Agoda CEO John Brown, vice-minister for Tourism of the Arab Republic of Egypt Ghada Shalaby, South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona and former Unesco director-general Irina Bokova.
There will also be the Pata annual general meeting, networking session and the Pata Youth Symposium.
The virtual Pata Annual Summit 2021 is now open for registration without a fee.
Visit pata.org/virtual-pas-2021.
AIRLINES UPDATE
Thai Vietjet has launched e-vouchers.
It has come up with three options -- "Sky Diamond" offering a value of 1,000 baht for 699 baht; "Sky Golden" with a value of 500 baht for a purchasing price of 399 baht; and "Sky Silver" with a value of 200 baht for a purchasing price of 99 baht.
Passenger can use an e-voucher for either a one-way or round-trip ticket. The promotion will last until April 30 for use from May 1 to Sept 30.
Visit vietjetair.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATES
- Melati Beach Resort & Spa on Koh Samui in Surat Thani has launched a "Romance Under The Stars" promotion.
The prices start from 6,800 baht for a two-night stay in a Grand Deluxe room. The package includes daily breakfast for two, one candlelight dinner set and an afternoon tea set for guests who stay at least three nights. Booking is available until April 30 for stays until June 30.
Visit melatiresort.com or call 077-913-400.
- Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok is offering a "Staycation" package.
Rates start from 3,900 baht a night in a Deluxe room. It includes daily breakfast for two adults and two children under 12 years old, a 2,500 baht net dining and spa credit per stay, guaranteed early check-in at 8am and late check-out at 8pm and complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe River View room.
The offer is available until June 30.
Visit shangri-la.com/bangkok/shangrila or call 02-36-7-777.
- Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel has introduced "A Room During The Day" package.
The service offers three options for guests to book for a room for three, six or nine hours. Prices start from 2,500++ baht. The check-in time is available from 8am to 6pm and the check-out time is available until 9pm.
Visit novotelairportbkk.com/offers/rest-room-day or call 02-131-1111.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
