PHUKET: Vendors from Phuket's Patong beach have written to HM The King in the hope that they can resume work on the beach as sunbed operators, vendors and masseuses.
The Director of Kathu District, which oversees the famous beach on Phuket's west coast, said he had yet to receive the response from His Majesty's office because of unusual delays in the process.
But Saiyan Chaichanawong added that any change in policy was beyond his control.
Scores of beach workers have been affected by clearances of sunbeds and umbrellas and most commercial activities from Phuket's popular west coast beaches since the military takeover of Thailand on May 22.
Kathu Director Saiyan said today that he had so far only seen a photocopy of a letter in response to the beach workers' plea. However, he added:
''I can tell them (the vendors) that I am not able to allow them back on the beaches because the policy is set by people in higher positions than me.''
He said that three committees were examining issues related to the clearances and the effects on those suddenly thrown out of work.
''We can help to put off payment of school fees and also to defer repayment of loans to banks,'' he said, ''hotels and resorts have been asked to absorb beach staff if they possibly can.''
Beach vendor spokesperson Jarintorn Sepke said that she was disappointed with delays associated with the plea to HM The King.
The letter was sent on July 22 and on August 14, there was a letter from HM The King's office asking the governor to look into the matter and report back.
On September 12, Khun Jarintorn said, the governor wrote to the Director of Kathu asking for details and requesting him to respond within 15 days of receiving the letter.
''Even now, that letter has yet to reach the Kathu Director,'' Khun Jarintorn said. ''Today we hope to meet with a representative from HM The King's office again.''
The high season from November 1 is likely to bring tourists to Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata, Surin, Bang Tao and other beaches who have not heard that the sunbeds are no longer there.
Phuketwan has suggested that the Royal Thai Navy may have to post officers to the beaches to inform tourists of the changes and to keep vendors from breaking the new rules.
The Director of Kathu District, which oversees the famous beach on Phuket's west coast, said he had yet to receive the response from His Majesty's office because of unusual delays in the process.
But Saiyan Chaichanawong added that any change in policy was beyond his control.
Scores of beach workers have been affected by clearances of sunbeds and umbrellas and most commercial activities from Phuket's popular west coast beaches since the military takeover of Thailand on May 22.
Kathu Director Saiyan said today that he had so far only seen a photocopy of a letter in response to the beach workers' plea. However, he added:
''I can tell them (the vendors) that I am not able to allow them back on the beaches because the policy is set by people in higher positions than me.''
He said that three committees were examining issues related to the clearances and the effects on those suddenly thrown out of work.
''We can help to put off payment of school fees and also to defer repayment of loans to banks,'' he said, ''hotels and resorts have been asked to absorb beach staff if they possibly can.''
Beach vendor spokesperson Jarintorn Sepke said that she was disappointed with delays associated with the plea to HM The King.
The letter was sent on July 22 and on August 14, there was a letter from HM The King's office asking the governor to look into the matter and report back.
On September 12, Khun Jarintorn said, the governor wrote to the Director of Kathu asking for details and requesting him to respond within 15 days of receiving the letter.
''Even now, that letter has yet to reach the Kathu Director,'' Khun Jarintorn said. ''Today we hope to meet with a representative from HM The King's office again.''
The high season from November 1 is likely to bring tourists to Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata, Surin, Bang Tao and other beaches who have not heard that the sunbeds are no longer there.
Phuketwan has suggested that the Royal Thai Navy may have to post officers to the beaches to inform tourists of the changes and to keep vendors from breaking the new rules.
What part of 'NO' do they not understand & accept?
Posted by Logic on September 22, 2014 16:40