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Krabi Bans Jet-Skis, Loungers, Shows Phuket How
By Pathomporn Kaenkrachang and Alan Morison Wednesday, February 16, 2011
KRABI has rejected the Phuket beach jet-ski, lounger and umbrella tourism model and opted to ban almost everything except towels.
In a commitment to nature, Krabi Governor Prasit O-sathanon says: ''We don't want tourists of the type who go to Phuket, Pattaya or Samui.''
The Krabi governor's message will be roundly applauded by many on Phuket, Samui and in Pattaya who agree that Thailand's prime tourist destinations are all the worse for commercialism and crass exploitation.
The battle for many Phuket beaches is being lost to a new tsunami, a giant wave of greed.
Governor Prasit is having none of that. He laid it on the line in an interview with Phuketwan this week.
''When I came to be the governor last year,'' he said. ''I could see we had to save our environment. What Krabi has that the other beach brands don't have is a commitment to staying pure and natural.
''So I banned jet-skis and banana boats, beach loungers, umbrellas, restaurants on the beach, and beach vendors. These people were told that if they ventured onto the beaches in Krabi, they would be arrested.''
Unlike Phuket, where authorities lack the courage to take on the people who now ''own'' the public beaches, Governor Prasit took a stance, and won. Today Krabi's beaches are truly pure and natural, and likely to remain that way while others in Thailand deteriorate.
This high season, the sands of popular Patong on Phuket have vanished under five rows of beach loungers and umbrellas in some places. To Governor Prasit, that kind of short-term thinking has no future.
He says Krabi had two million visitors last year, both domestic and international, and he claims the province now has 20,000 rooms. This compares with about 40,000 on Phuket.
Keeping the beaches natural is only part of Governor Prasit's game plan. He also appears to be no fan of billboards that on Phuket advertise condominiums and other property projects along the major seaside roads and even along the shorefronts.
''I am very concerned about the environment,'' the governor said. ''My concept is that you can't block any view of the seaside. People want to be able to see everything - the sand, the sea, the entire beach - naturally, just the way it should be.''
This may come as a shock to the local authorities who run Phuket's beaches. Some greedy chieftans have in recent times even allowed restaurants to extend across the sands to the waterline, erecting banners and installing double-bed size loungers that prevent people strolling along ''private'' sands.
This has happened at beaches that were once public and belonged to everybody.
''In Krabi there can be no buildings or even umbrellas to block the view,'' Governor Prasit said. ''People need to be able to see everything, to enjoy the natural beauty.''
His view is shared by many on Phuket. But they do not speak out.
The result is that in the years to come, more and more tourists will compare the clutter of Phuket with the natural beauty of Krabi.
And the visitors that both destinations want, the visitors who want nature at its best, are more likely to opt for Krabi.
The governor has made a decision that undoubtedly will serve the best interests of Krabi and its people, and the next generation in Krabi, and the generation ater that.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
Excellent - I wish other Governors had the courage this man has.
Maybe it's time to move to a grown up area of Thailand.
Posted by
Tbs
on
February 16, 2011 09:57
How refreshing! It would be wonderful if people like Governor Prasit would finally take responsibility for the state of Phuket's beaches. As a part-time resident near Surin, I feel like crying when I see the damage done to that beach over the past five years from greedy privatization. Surin Beach used to be such a pleasure; now it's a pain. What can Phuket people and us foreign "parti-time residents" do to speak out and make a difference before it's too late?
Posted by
Laura, Hong Kong
on
February 16, 2011 10:15
Superb, we need more people with vision to protect the assets that Thailand has.
On Phuket now Tri Trang beach (which has public road to the beach not private property) demands money simply to go on their beach and told a friend he couldnt take his own esky of cold drinks but had to buy their 100b beers. This on a public beach with public access.
Posted by
LivinLOS
on
February 16, 2011 11:03
Kudos to the governor of Krabi - I think another visit is in order, and maybe a permanent move.
Posted by
JohnWalton
on
February 16, 2011 12:21
Big respect to Governor Prasit O-sathanon? This is a very smart choice.
Posted by
Riquet
on
February 16, 2011 13:19
Mr. Parsit,is the first Governor i read who Protect Thailand`s environment and natural beauty. Which the tourist wants to see.
Phuket beaches gets more and more commercial crowded polluted many of my guest will probably not come back to Phuket because of lost of this natural beauty. I think the future of Thailand should be more natural quality and less quantity. Hopefully there are more responsible Thai Government how safe Thailand environment and natural beauty in future before its to late.
Posted by
Gabriel
on
February 16, 2011 13:40
Just this past weekend, my friend and myself, where discussing the pros and cons of moving to Krabi. No longer interested in the scams, harasment loaded prices etc on Phuket.
The pros outweigh the cons.
Now Krabi Governor Prasit O-sathanon says: ''We don't want tourists of the type who go to Phuket, Pattaya or Samui.''
Guess what he also gets me as a new local. See you soon, Krabi.
Bye Pukey.
Posted by
GrahamM
on
February 16, 2011 14:00
The Governor of Krabi summed it up in a few sentances. Phuket is being hit by a new tsunami, phuket is being hit by greed. Enough said.
Posted by
william Dale
on
February 16, 2011 14:13
Outstanding.
Please send all relevant Phuket authorities on a learning trip to Krabi.
I wish we had a man in charge here on Phuket like Governor Prasit.
Let's hope he can stand his ground against the pressure from "influential" people who undoubtedly are looking at turning Krabi into another monument for greed as they have done here on Phuket.
Posted by
Chris
on
February 16, 2011 14:30
Looks like Governor Prasit took the problem by the root before it could cement itself. It's obviously too late in Phuket. The virus has already spread to the point of no-return. I just hope that Krabi's future administrative successors will not succumb to the temptation. But am I hoping for too much here?
Posted by
Sean
on
February 16, 2011 15:12
Compliments on this 'bold & brave' decision! Finally someone who is pro-actively protecting the quality of Thailand's beaches. An example that hopefully will be followed by others and Khun Orasit's successor... Pretty sure the, recovering, hospitality business will support!
Posted by
Michel
on
February 16, 2011 15:56
I really like it.
Phuket moves mass market, Krabi moves quality market. Room for both in Thailands tourism. I only hope the mass market (cheap Russian, Chinese and European tours) stay in Phuket. Also wonder if the "Lets make more billboards to show our beauty" governor of Phang-nga understands the choice he (still) has.
Even now, all "natural beauty of Phuket" - as advertised - is to be found in Krabi / Phangnga. Don't be fooled by their pictures. Phuket is Benidorm with city shopping / entertainment and golf courses. In my view there will be no turning back to good ol'times in Phuket.
Posted by
Lena
on
February 16, 2011 17:56
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!...Gov Prasit, you are a man of vision and courage...Thank you for having the guts to step forward and do something that benefits the land and the overall well being of the people that live here as well as visit here...I can only dream of the day the other governors follow in your footsteps.
Posted by
sky
on
February 16, 2011 18:17
Oh hell yeah! Way to go Krabi! Keep the beach nice and clean and the place will grow by word of mouth as the place to be to avoid jet-skis and banana boats, beach loungers, umbrellas, restaurants on the beach, and beach vendors.
Great work!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
February 16, 2011 18:24
A MAN WITH CONVICTION.
Wow, never thought they existed.
Good man I am with you all the way. I look forward to being a new resident of krabi.
Good man, I love you.
Phuket leaders are too weak to do what you have done. Good fortune always, Krabi Leader.
Posted by
Robin
on
February 16, 2011 18:36
We should get a man like him for Phuket, that would be nice. But anyway, the construction in Ao Nang goes on like crazy and I somehow have been terrified when I was there for a visit lately after about 8 years... At least the beach is quite ok.
Posted by
Fritz Pinguin
on
February 16, 2011 19:51
Congratulations to the governor of Krabi for being so progressive in eliminating the greed that we are seeing here on the beaches of Phuket. But, he is banning all umbrellas on the beach. His statement was "in Krabi there can be no building or even umbrellas to block the view". Has he ever heard of skin cancer? Extended exposure to the sun is one of the leading causes of cancer. If there can be "no" umbrellas, how can someone enjoy the beach without jeopardizing their health? Maybe they would allow personal umbrellas to be used, but that is not what he has said.
I would love to see these types of laws enacted, and enforced here in Phuket. But, it would probably just be like many other laws passed here, that are not enforced such as: motor bike helmets, dog leash laws, smoking in restaurants, displaying of cigarettes in stores, beach vendors (which ARE currently illegal) talking on the phone while driving, illegal parking, or any other type of driving violations. Thailand and Phuket are notorious for passing legislation to show the world how progressive they are, and then not following through to make sure that the laws are upheld. I realize that this is a little off the subject, but enforcement of current laws needs to be addressed before new laws are initiated.
Posted by
J. Hammons.
on
February 16, 2011 20:03
this should cause a major shift in the numbers going to Krabi once the word gets out
Posted by
mikey
on
February 16, 2011 23:07
Whoa J. Hammons. The governor of Krabi wants good views of the natural beauty.YES.
He and I don't care if you want to get skin cancer, that is up to you, the tourist.
I am a skin cancer survivor, so if you want to get it, go for it.
This man has the foresight and courage to say no to the evils that have befallen Phuket, to make his town great. I will be moving there shortly, once I close down my business in Phuket.
Sorry, 370 persons will loose their jobs here, but do I care, NO.
Greed has killed Phuket tourism.
Weak leaders here have no power to control anything.
Bye bye weaklings, see you in other areas of great Thailand.
Posted by
GrahamM
on
February 16, 2011 23:13
Fantastic! So impressive to read about this eye-opening approach to tourism in this country in contrast to all the bad news and the deterioration of its attractions.
This man can truly see where the future for Thailand lies. Let's hope he can reach his goals and will stay as governor of Krabi for a long time to come.
Posted by
Resident on Lanta Island
on
February 17, 2011 00:52
Bravo! I'll be there soon, giving Phuket what it deserves - a wide berth.
Posted by
Tourist by Profession
on
February 17, 2011 08:36
Beaches are a public domain, seems ot me banning the use of personal items on them is illegal. The law need to be changed and then, of course, enforced.
(We've all heard the " ban" word before.)
There is an right to exploit and until this attitude is changed through education, the entire region will be unsustainable in a very short time.
What do the Thai publications write about the degradation? Are schools mentioning it?
Posted by
Cap't. Kirk
on
February 17, 2011 09:05
outstanding ! year by year we spent our holidays in Patong. So disappointed what happened to Phuket. 2011/12 will be our first season in Krabi. Goodby greedy Phuket. Can't wait for the day when the only customers left for TukTuks are Tailor touts, Time-share farangs and jet-ski-operators. Phuket is committing suicide, a slow but certain one.
Posted by
Oliver S.
on
February 17, 2011 11:01
just wonder if all these reader comments make their way to phuket officials or do we just entertain ourselves ?
Posted by
BSV
on
February 17, 2011 11:22
The most banal of all activities, jet skis were outlawed in Thailand on Jan. 1, 1999. The international media descended to watch sanity prevail, but a famous 1998 Christmas day quote went viral "We don't care about the law. We will just keep running our jet-skis.''
They should be banned everywhere. Now I see them in Phang Nga Bay, a National Park. There goes the neighborhood.
Perhaps Gov. Prasit will stand as an example for a modern Thailand. I hope his influence rubs off on all the mayors and governors.
By the way, Gov. Prasit, when do you enforce the ban on all motorized boats in the Koh Bele' hong? In 1998 the National Park Director wrote it into law. Every time I go there the place is filled with longtails, speedboats and their motor oil.
When will 2-stroke engines be banned throughout Thailand? They make speedboat-addicted Phuket a center for Global Warming. That's because at the tour counter the kick-back rules. Even "Eco-Hotels" sell 2-stroke tours, completely offsetting their Eco Commitment.
Phuket is now at stage 9 on the Stanford University Scale of destination "development". No destination has ever returned from step 10. They simply become concrete ghost towns.
Time to pack your bags and move to Krabi. Phang Nga is filled with bogus "sea canoe" companies and is filled with rubbish. The lagoons are being destroyed by irresponsible operators - all from Phuket. Yet its difficult to find any rubbish in Talin or Bor Tor in Krabi. Phuket politics is driven by corruption. When I came to Phuket it was magic, but maybe its my time to retire and write my memoirs.
Thank you for your example, governor Prasit, but it won't make a dent in Phuket corruption unless Farang make it happen.
Posted by
Malaking Unggui
on
February 17, 2011 17:28
What? No umbrellas on the beach? Has this guy never heard about skin cancer? I was planning to go down to Krabi for a little beach holiday, but after reading this article, I think we better opt for Khao Lak. At least there we have shadow to enjoy the beach.
Posted by
Mack
on
February 17, 2011 20:47
What a breath of fresh air, if only men of Governor Prasit's caliber and courage could be found in Phuket to take on the vested interests and the old leadership who have been allowed by the powers that be in Bangkok to turn Phuket/Patong into a wasted opportunity to make it into a premium tourist destination.
It's a great shame. It was a beautiful spot once, believe it or not, before greed and bad management were allowed to run rampant. I guess I'll be telling people to visit Krabi
Posted by
Steve
on
February 18, 2011 06:06
I am in Pattaya and the beach vendors, umbrella people have turned the place into a slum.
Trash everywhere, unmaintained footpaths, gardens on the walkway with dead flowers, elec. cables laying about,
stinky trash dumpsters, hookers, thugs, drunks, lowlifes, broken concrete...
Posted by
jWJ
on
February 18, 2011 07:02
thats a good decision , this should apply to Patong who is becoming a factory , jet ski should not be allowed , maximum two rows of umbrellas should be allowed with 20 meters between each operator , tuk tuk should be be replaced either by taxi meters located in a taxi station or by the same system as in Pattaya (no stop , no parking ) in the streets.
big buses becoming more and more big should not be allowed in the town but localised in a bus station outside , the pedestrian way on the beach should be returned to the pedestrian , free bicycle loan system should be set up , bars should be closed by 2 am and discotheques by 3 .... we can dream. today it seems that the law is dictated by the lobbies (not to use the word mafias)and by the power of the money.
Posted by
peter
on
February 18, 2011 16:53
well done, Governor Prasit O-sathanon.
That was overdue. Take Bali for Example. No,-(0) Beach chairs, no Umbrellas, No jet skies. nevertheless the beaches full of Tourists enjoining nature. There are vendors on the beach, some may even call them more aggressive than Phukets Beach vendors but i had the experience that once you tell them that you don't want they go away and remember that. Additionally,- more important. They clean the Beach. I saw that every time the Tide bring something in somebody goes down and put it in the Trash. I never saw that on Phuket.
Posted by
McGee
on
February 18, 2011 19:41
Excellent example, to follow. I hope Governor Tri can do something similar. His problem is that he has inherited a nightmare and has limited time and resources to sort it out. Good luck to him.
Posted by
Phuket Kop
on
February 19, 2011 22:27
I would like to meet the Govenor of Krabi and thank him for standing tall and seeing into the future for Krabi. He is right on track to make Krabi stand out as the most beautiful natural part of Thailand. This man is unique!
Posted by
imathaidiver
on
February 19, 2011 22:45
Geez - even when a Governor is proactive, some people complain. Concerned about skin cancer- cover up or slip, slap slop!!! Or go to Phuket and pay crazy prices for a beach umbrella. Surely there's enough variety out there to please everyone.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
February 24, 2011 02:32
Kudos but we will see if it is for real. I'd be more impressed if he was talking about restricting development and implementing building codes (sewage, etc.). We will see if the conviction is real of if this is simply a marketing ploy to gain market share than explode just as Phuket did. Remember that the initial draw to Phuket was its beauty. I am a bit concerned when he talks about 20,000 rooms. However, I hope he is truly determined as I can see he is an intelligent marketer:)
Posted by
bill jones
on
February 24, 2011 04:09
exactly, the only solution is to ban all of it and let it return to nature.
the same should apply for tuk-tuks across the board, as well as to-from airport transit.
my wife and I were talking about wanting to go "honeymoon part 2" at a beach somewhere in-country, but we always declined based on how annoying it can be.
now we should go check out Krabi.
Posted by
JingJing
on
February 27, 2011 08:21
A couple of interesting facebook pages jet ski scam related
http://www.facebook.com/PattayaFuture
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001909826119&sk=wall
Posted by
Mal c
on
March 4, 2011 23:26
Bravo to Krabi Governor Prasit O-sathanon
Finally....someone with intelligence and foresight is in a position to do something beneficial for Thailand and the people who live here and those that visit. Hopefully others in high positions will follow his example, but that may be wishful thinking.
Posted by
barrie manso
on
September 23, 2011 10:33
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Excellent - I wish other Governors had the courage this man has.
Maybe it's time to move to a grown up area of Thailand.
Posted by Tbs on February 16, 2011 09:57