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Researchers at Walailak University (WU) have partnered with Australian experts from Murdoch University to raise awareness of plastic pollution’s impact on animals, communities, and the environment. This initiative is part of Murdoch University’s research project, funded by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), which seeks to increase global awareness of how plastic waste affects ecosystems and human communities worldwide.

Led by Professor Tony O’Donnell, Professor Daniel Murphy, and Associate Professor Fran Hoyle, the Australian team visited Walailak University from February 17 to 18, 2025. The visit focused on gathering information, developing case studies, and engaging in community outreach alongside WU researchers. A key outcome of the project is the development of an interactive, evidence-based electronic book, available in multiple languages, to showcase best practices in plastic management, its environmental effects, and solutions to plastic pollution.

“What we are doing on this particular trip is we have a component on public outreach and government outreach and awareness raising. We are trying to develop an electronic book, but not just a book with lots of pages that you read that get very boring. The book is very interactive, with lots of videos, lots of interviews, and lots of animation,” said Professor Daniel Murphy.

Planned for release in July 2026, the book will be accessible on various platforms to ensure global reach.

“The book will be in multiple languages and on multiple platforms, so you don’t have to only have an iPhone. You might just have a computer, or you might have an Android—it will be available to everyone so that everyone can understand and learn the story of success. Hopefully, this will start to cause change, and people will realize—okay, challenging! Big problem! But here are success stories. Maybe they think that they could adopt,” Professor Murphy added.

He further emphasized, “We are not saying plastics are bad. Plastics are everywhere—we need them. They are in the fabrics of society. But we would like to try to make them less environmentally damaging.”

In addition, the Australian research team is also exploring new biodegradable plastics that break down without leaving a lasting environmental footprint. During their visit, they interviewed Associate Professor Dr. Tuempong Wongtawan from WU Akkhararatchakumari Veterinary College on microplastics' impact on marine animals, Assistant Professor Dr. Saowaluk Krainara from the School of Public Health on microorganisms that degrade plastics, Associate Professor Dr. Jira Kongpran from the School of Public Health on microplastics found in soil, and Assistant Professor Dr. Chuthamat Rattikansukha from the School of Languages and General Education on heavy metal contaminants in soil. The team also paid a courtesy visit to WU President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthayawong.

Walailak University’s Center for International Affairs and researchers also facilitated the Australian team’s field trips to key locations. These included a visit to the Thalad Park landfill, where they met with the Deputy Mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat and an environmental engineer to discuss the city’s waste management challenges. They also engaged with fishermen in Ban Nai Thung to learn about the effects of plastic pollution on aquatic life and visited a blue crab bank restoration project, a collaborative effort with Walailak University. Additionally, they met with the head of Saikaew Resort, where sustainable alternatives are being promoted in the area, such as using banana leaves instead of plastic for food packaging.















News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication