Popular tourists spot's 'excellent' plan to tackle littering offenders
Thailand is a country known for its natural beauty thanks to its plethora of golden beaches and sprawling green spaces.
And it appears authorities are desperate to keep it that way, reminding visitors of the strict laws for littering while introducing a new tactic that will deliver a nasty surprise for culprits.
Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa took to Facebook this week to share photos of litter left by campers in the Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok.
The rubbish was packed into a delivery box and shipped out with the following message.
“We collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere,” it said.
Rangers were able to identify those responsible due to all campers registering with the park’s administration.
Mr Varawut warned others would face the same action if they littered, while reminding Facebook users they can face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $21,870. He said authorities will be strictly enforcing the punishments to those violating laws designed to protect the natural environment.
The park’s chief, Narin Pinsakul said litter was extremely dangerous to the park’s wildlife, DPA reported.
The announcement was widely praised online, with hundreds taking to Mr Varawut’s post.
“This method is great, thank you,” one person said.
“Thank you for being serious about garbage in the national park,” another wrote.
One user branded the idea as “excellent”.
Some called for those who were found to have littered to be banned from national parks.
However others suggested focusing on improving disposal facilities in national parks and providing more drinking water to prevent people taking plastic bottles into the areas.
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