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PHUKET: Jet-skis remain on Phuket's Patong beach even though they're not supposed to be there, a meeting heard yesterday. And the problem - enforcement - also applies to Patong's taxis and tuk-tuks.
Jet-ski operators have apparently been told they may function in the water but are not allowed to be motionless on the sand because of the curb on beach commerce, which requires all vendors to keep moving and bans stalls as well as sunbeds and umbrellas.
However, many jet-skis were stationary on the sand at Patong beach when Phuketwan walked the beach on Sunday.
Who is responsible for enforcing the Army's edict that jet-skis are not allowed on the beach? The question was asked at a special meeting about Phuket issues at Patong council offices yesterday.
The Superintendent of Kathu Police, Colonel Jirapat Palchanaphan, said the issue needed a coordinated response with Patong municipal officials because police lacked authority on the beach.
The jet-ski operators have said that they have permits from Phuket's Marine 5 office to operate businesses there.
Colonel Jirapat said it was difficult for police to act with authority on the beaches, which may be why so many officials from so many departments are involved on issues of encroachment.
He said it was certainly the case that police had greater power on Patong's streets but even there, he said, the help of council officials was needed because it was the council that ruled which areas of the street were standing areas and which were no-standing areas.
''Cooperation with other organisations is necessary to enforce some laws,'' he said.
New balustrades along many Patong roads are designed to protect pedestrians but are also supposed to be non-parking zones for tuk-tuks.
That seemed to not be the case yesterday as a Phuketwan reporter in a police car passed several tuk-tuks parked against the silver barriers in beach road.
More talks are anticipated before the jet-ski and tuk-tuk issues are resolved.
Jet-ski operators have apparently been told they may function in the water but are not allowed to be motionless on the sand because of the curb on beach commerce, which requires all vendors to keep moving and bans stalls as well as sunbeds and umbrellas.
However, many jet-skis were stationary on the sand at Patong beach when Phuketwan walked the beach on Sunday.
Who is responsible for enforcing the Army's edict that jet-skis are not allowed on the beach? The question was asked at a special meeting about Phuket issues at Patong council offices yesterday.
The Superintendent of Kathu Police, Colonel Jirapat Palchanaphan, said the issue needed a coordinated response with Patong municipal officials because police lacked authority on the beach.
The jet-ski operators have said that they have permits from Phuket's Marine 5 office to operate businesses there.
Colonel Jirapat said it was difficult for police to act with authority on the beaches, which may be why so many officials from so many departments are involved on issues of encroachment.
He said it was certainly the case that police had greater power on Patong's streets but even there, he said, the help of council officials was needed because it was the council that ruled which areas of the street were standing areas and which were no-standing areas.
''Cooperation with other organisations is necessary to enforce some laws,'' he said.
New balustrades along many Patong roads are designed to protect pedestrians but are also supposed to be non-parking zones for tuk-tuks.
That seemed to not be the case yesterday as a Phuketwan reporter in a police car passed several tuk-tuks parked against the silver barriers in beach road.
More talks are anticipated before the jet-ski and tuk-tuk issues are resolved.
more ongoing nonsense...nobody to take charge..same ol same ol...just like the taxi fares were siupposed to drop 50%...nothing here will change...police need help enforcing laws?..are you serious?..just goes to show you who is really running the show here...
Posted by sky on July 30, 2014 11:05