If the past Governor doesn’t vote in your favour, just try the same requests with the new Governor.
A group of beach vendors, calling for a designated area at Surin Beach, has submitted a letter to Phuket’s new governor, Sophon Suwannarat. The Phuket Express reports that 40 vendors from Surin Beach submitted their petition at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, October 5.
Sophon met with the group to take delivery of the letter, which outlines how local beach vendors have been plying their wares at Surin Beach for over 20 years. Occasionally, Chergntalay officials would collect fees from the vendors (we bet they do).
In 2014, following the military coup in Bangkok, Surin Beach was cleared of all stalls, bars, restaurants and upscale nightclubs, accused of illegal encroachment on ‘crown’ property. However, beach vendors still needed to earn money and gradually, the massage beds, sun chairs, food vendors, and various other endeavours crept back, with a (mostly) blind eye turned.
The group says that recently, a group of men arrived at the beach, claiming to be from the Thai Internal Security Operation Command, although they did not provide any proof of their identity. The men proceeded to chase vendors from the beach, warning that they would return today, October 6, to dismantle stalls and other structures.
In their letter, the vendors are urging the new governor to help them, pointing out that there are many tourists who visit Surin Beach and appreciate the services they offer. The group says they understand the problems with encroachment and are therefore asking the provincial government to provide them with a designated area where they can legally operate.
According to the Phuket Express, the governor has yet to provide an official response.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
