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Koh Samet becoming a plastic bag-free zone
The Thai holiday island of Koh Samet is banning plastic bags and will dole out fines anyone not complying.
Island residents have been given tote bags to use instead and tourists arriving on the island will not be allowed to bring plastic bags.
Styrofoam boxes and food containers are also banned.
Chief of the Koh National Park, Samet Prayoon Pongpan said an event will be organised to raise awareness and inform everyone of the penalties for not complying.
About 1,500 tourists visit the island each day on average and use about eight plastic bags during their stay.
People found to be using plastic bags will be issued a warning and subsequent violations will be liable to a fine of up to THB1,500.
Visiting tourists are unlikely to be fined initially while the new rules are rolled out, Prayoon said.
"We want to announce that Koh Samet will no longer be using plastic bags," he said.
The more popular island of Koh Samui is currently working on an island-wide plastic straw ban, whilst lobbying the provincial government for its own recycling facilities.
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