PHUKET: Most of the mayors who oversee Phuket's west coast beaches have declined to comment on the beach chair ban or the requirement for all opened umbrellas to be confined to a ''10 percent zone.''
The mayors who spoke to Phuketwan today deferred to Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong, and said they did not wish to confuse the issue.
This afternoon the Kathu authorities who oversee Patong beach are due to meet with Vice Governor Suthee Tongyam to endorse the new rules for tourists now being applied along Phuket's west coast beaches.
Resort managers and others in the industry are fearful that Australian and European beachgoers on Phuket will be driven away by the controls proposed for all of the international holiday island's beaches.
All beach chairs are being banned, which means Phuket's most loyal holidaymakers are likely to seek alternative destinations. Mostly veterans and regular visitors to Phuket, the Germans, French and Italians kept coming despite the ban on sunbeds. Instead, they adapted by buying their own beach chairs.
The authorities have yet to make plain whether the total ban on beach chairs also applies to chairs used at Patong's shorefront cafes, by jet-ski operators and by masseuses who also braid hair and polish toenails.
The 10 percent rule suits mat and umbrella hirers at Patong, who are doing a thriving business even though sunbeds remain banned. With the hiring of mats and umbrellas now allowed again, it's difficult to understand why sunbeds remain banned.
The military cleared Phuket's beaches of all commercial activity - with the exception of jet-skis and parasail speedboats - after taking control of Thailand last year.
For a time, beachgoers were allowed to bring their own small personal umbrellas, mats and chairs and use them anywhere on the beaches.
However, the governor's commitment to restore commerce has led to tourists being still allowed to bring a personal umbrella, but only allowed to use it with approval in the 10 percent zone.
Combined with the total ban on tourists using beach chairs, the new rules represent some of the world's most rigid controls on beachgoers. Some tourists have shown their contempt for the rules by continuing to use their own beach chairs.
Police at Patong have issued warnings to tourists on beach chairs but have so far shown reluctance to remove the chairs and arrest and fine the tourists.
Mayor Ma-Ann Samran
Beaches: Surin, Layan, Laypang, Laem Singh, Bang Tao and Pansea.
''We have about 20 beach vendors who have their annual permission reviewed every June. They are entitled to sell ice cream, water, juice and beach balls but no substantial meals. I believe Phuket is not suffering any tourist downturn. The resorts are full. I have been asked to leave all comment on the 10 percent plan to the governor.''
Mayor Aroon Soros
Beaches: Nai Harn, Ao Sane, Racha Island, Laem Ka, Ya Nui.
''I believe the numbers of tourists on the beaches are decreasing. This is not because of the 10 percent policy but because of the economy in Thailand. We have about 50-60 masseuses in the area with umbrellas allowed only in the 10 percent zone and no beach vendors permitted.''
Mayor Tawee Tongcham
Beaches: Karon, Kata, Kata Noi, Relax Bay.
''I don't have a comment on the 10 percent plan. It's an idea that comes from the Governor of Phuket.''
The mayors who spoke to Phuketwan today deferred to Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong, and said they did not wish to confuse the issue.
This afternoon the Kathu authorities who oversee Patong beach are due to meet with Vice Governor Suthee Tongyam to endorse the new rules for tourists now being applied along Phuket's west coast beaches.
Resort managers and others in the industry are fearful that Australian and European beachgoers on Phuket will be driven away by the controls proposed for all of the international holiday island's beaches.
All beach chairs are being banned, which means Phuket's most loyal holidaymakers are likely to seek alternative destinations. Mostly veterans and regular visitors to Phuket, the Germans, French and Italians kept coming despite the ban on sunbeds. Instead, they adapted by buying their own beach chairs.
The authorities have yet to make plain whether the total ban on beach chairs also applies to chairs used at Patong's shorefront cafes, by jet-ski operators and by masseuses who also braid hair and polish toenails.
The 10 percent rule suits mat and umbrella hirers at Patong, who are doing a thriving business even though sunbeds remain banned. With the hiring of mats and umbrellas now allowed again, it's difficult to understand why sunbeds remain banned.
The military cleared Phuket's beaches of all commercial activity - with the exception of jet-skis and parasail speedboats - after taking control of Thailand last year.
For a time, beachgoers were allowed to bring their own small personal umbrellas, mats and chairs and use them anywhere on the beaches.
However, the governor's commitment to restore commerce has led to tourists being still allowed to bring a personal umbrella, but only allowed to use it with approval in the 10 percent zone.
Combined with the total ban on tourists using beach chairs, the new rules represent some of the world's most rigid controls on beachgoers. Some tourists have shown their contempt for the rules by continuing to use their own beach chairs.
Police at Patong have issued warnings to tourists on beach chairs but have so far shown reluctance to remove the chairs and arrest and fine the tourists.
The 10 Percent Rule on Phuket's Beaches
Mayor Ma-Ann Samran
Beaches: Surin, Layan, Laypang, Laem Singh, Bang Tao and Pansea.
''We have about 20 beach vendors who have their annual permission reviewed every June. They are entitled to sell ice cream, water, juice and beach balls but no substantial meals. I believe Phuket is not suffering any tourist downturn. The resorts are full. I have been asked to leave all comment on the 10 percent plan to the governor.''
Mayor Aroon Soros
Beaches: Nai Harn, Ao Sane, Racha Island, Laem Ka, Ya Nui.
''I believe the numbers of tourists on the beaches are decreasing. This is not because of the 10 percent policy but because of the economy in Thailand. We have about 50-60 masseuses in the area with umbrellas allowed only in the 10 percent zone and no beach vendors permitted.''
Mayor Tawee Tongcham
Beaches: Karon, Kata, Kata Noi, Relax Bay.
''I don't have a comment on the 10 percent plan. It's an idea that comes from the Governor of Phuket.''
Well Editor you got your way - you campaigned for the removal of all and there you go - now kiss tourism goodbye.
Posted by BeHIp on February 18, 2015 11:54
Editor Comment:
PW has never campaigned for the removal of the umbrellas and sunbeds. Nobody figured it was ever going to happen. We were pleasantly surprised, though, when the military acted and removed most private enterprises from Phuket's public beaches and foreshores. The problem appears to be in preventing the return of the profit-makers. Strange decisions are being made.
Your memory appears to be severely defective, BeHip. Best seek attention quick before it goes entirely.