The visitors come, the vendors defy the rules and set up more cheap plastic sun lounges and umbrellas along the public beaches, then the officials come and clear them away… and the cycle repeats.
Phuket officials and military personnel removed a number of sun lounge and umbrella operators from Kata Beach yesterday, according to a The Phuket News report.
It’s understood that local officials were accompanied by members of the Royal Thai Army Region 4 base in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. The report goes on to say that the inspection was ordered by Phairot Srilamul, Mueang District Chief.
Phairot says the inspection was carried out in order to keep the beach available for public use, adding that the sunbed and umbrella operators had been warned before. Due to continued infringements, he says officials seized their umbrellas, sun lounges, and “other equipment”.
“Measures have been put in place to organise all beach areas to be clean, safe, and 100% for people and tourists, in order to enhance the tourism image of Phuket and Thailand.”
It’s understood the beach operators have responded by filing a formal complaint with the Region 4 army commander and the Mayor of Karon. According to Phairot, the operators are requesting to be allowed use the beach to make a living. He says the issue will be raised at the next meeting of the district beach organising committee.
According to the Phuket News report, the removal of the beach chairs and umbrellas follows the March 27 beach inspection tour of Phuket by the Commander of the 4th Army Region, Santi Sakuntanark.
During that visit, Santi also met with Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, to discuss “measures to help solve problems and promote cooperation to yield ‘satisfying results’”.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
