Tejal Somvanshi
Recent studies show a split picture of Thailand’s coastal waters in 2025. While beaches along the Andaman Sea remain clean and beautiful, areas near factories are struggling with pollution.
The good news first: Nearly half of Thailand’s coastal spots have clean water, especially along the Andaman coast. Samila beach in Songkhla and Nai Harn beach in Phuket stand out as the cleanest. Krabi province is home to several pristine beaches, including the famous Maya beach and Ton Sai beach.
However, there’s growing concern about pollution near industrial areas. The biggest problems are in Samut Prakan province, where factory waste flows into the sea. The mouth of the Chao Phraya River is particularly affected, along with waters near textile factories. Factory waste and city sewage are the main culprits behind this pollution.
If you’re planning a beach trip in Thailand, here’s what you should know: The Andaman Sea coast (think Phuket and Krabi) generally has cleaner water than the Gulf of Thailand. This is especially important as Thailand expects to welcome 40 million visitors in 2025.
Similar Posts
For your safety and enjoyment:
- Consider choosing beaches along the Andaman coast for swimming and water activities
- Research water quality reports before visiting beaches near industrial areas
- Be cautious about swimming near river mouths in industrial zones
The Thai government continues to monitor these waters and work on solutions, but the contrast between clean and polluted areas shows there’s still work to be done to protect all of Thailand’s coastal waters.
