PHUKET: Powerbroker mayors overseeing two of Phuket's key western beach districts have been rolled in local elections today, unofficial results show, paving the way for changes.
What was happening to the beaches covered by the electoral districts of Cherng Talay and Kamala became sources of conflict within both areas.
If Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha goes ahead with his stated objective of clearing illegal businesses from Phuket's beaches, he stands a much better chance now.
The new mayors - Karoon Siden in Kamala and Mar-Ae Samran in Cherng Talay - defeated sitting mayors because electors were not happy with what they saw happening in both districts.
Phuketwan visited Kamala beach this afternoon, as well as passing by some polling stations. Kamala beach today was unrecognisable from just a few years ago, when sand was clearly visible.
These days, encroachment is rampant and the sand has disappeared beneath businesses of all kinds. Covering more than their share are oversized double-beds that appear to have been misplaced from suites in at least one prize-winning Phuket five-star resort.
We hope the voters who have seen Kamala, Bang Tao and Surin beaches lately have decided they've had enough of people with cold smiles, minds filled with money and hearts packed with concrete - both locals and expats.
Although official results won't be known until later tonight, the winning mayors in the other four districts where elections were held today appear to be Korkiert Kitker, who stood unopposed in Kor Khaew, plus sitting mayors Sarawoot Sisakookram in Mai Khao, Surapong Panyawai in Sakoo, and Sompong Konkaew in Thepkasattri.
Elections in Rawai, Rassada and Vichit are due to be held before February.
What was happening to the beaches covered by the electoral districts of Cherng Talay and Kamala became sources of conflict within both areas.
If Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha goes ahead with his stated objective of clearing illegal businesses from Phuket's beaches, he stands a much better chance now.
The new mayors - Karoon Siden in Kamala and Mar-Ae Samran in Cherng Talay - defeated sitting mayors because electors were not happy with what they saw happening in both districts.
Phuketwan visited Kamala beach this afternoon, as well as passing by some polling stations. Kamala beach today was unrecognisable from just a few years ago, when sand was clearly visible.
These days, encroachment is rampant and the sand has disappeared beneath businesses of all kinds. Covering more than their share are oversized double-beds that appear to have been misplaced from suites in at least one prize-winning Phuket five-star resort.
We hope the voters who have seen Kamala, Bang Tao and Surin beaches lately have decided they've had enough of people with cold smiles, minds filled with money and hearts packed with concrete - both locals and expats.
Although official results won't be known until later tonight, the winning mayors in the other four districts where elections were held today appear to be Korkiert Kitker, who stood unopposed in Kor Khaew, plus sitting mayors Sarawoot Sisakookram in Mai Khao, Surapong Panyawai in Sakoo, and Sompong Konkaew in Thepkasattri.
Elections in Rawai, Rassada and Vichit are due to be held before February.
I am proud of the people in Kamala and Cherngtalay!
Yes, it is not a secret that electors have not been happy with the past and what did happen with the beaches and other areas.
I wish all the best to the new teams in the hope they will deliver what is needed. A good environment for tourists and locals as well! Clean beaches, organised and clean public parks for children, clean roads, proper garbage removal and beautification of the areas without loosing the charms of Phuket!
Posted by Mr. K on November 20, 2011 08:56