ONE of Phuket's most delightful beaches, Laem Singh, is getting a makeover that will add a scenic view point and rest rooms above it.

Tucked on a tight bend on the west coast road between Kamala and Surin, Laem Singh is regarded by those who swim there regularly as the island's perfect hideaway cove.

The reputation of the beach has grown. Now a 700,000 baht remake has begun that will improve access and parking above the steep descent to the beach.

The project, being overseen by Kamala Orbortor, was approved by the recently-departed former Governor Dr Preecha Ruangjan, who devoted a 500,000 baht budget to supplement 200,000 baht from the local authority.

Several large trees have been trimmed as a preliminary to construction of the project, which is expected to start soon and take two or three months to complete.

''There were too many accidents on this stretch of road,'' the Orbortor president, Jutra Dumlung, told Phuketwan today.

''So the trees needed to be trimmed to give motorists a better view.

''This stretch of road is becoming busier. Because there is more traffic, it has become an accident blackspot, with vehicles going to and from the small carpark into the main road.

''The Orbortor decided to improve the area by putting in a viewpoint.''

The viewpoint will provide tourists with an outlook over Laem Singh beach. As well as toilet facilities, there will seating and a table.

The main access route to Laem Singh is down a steep stairway, cut directly into the earth on the slope.

Such a difficult pathway down (and the sweaty route back up) limits access to those who are agile enough to negotiate the rough-hewn stairs or know the whereabouts of the less public and less steep route.

At the bottom, climbers find themselves on a sweet curved arc of sand, backed by a steep slope of tropical foliage.

From the water, it was once impossible to see the roadway, giving the impression of remoteness.

Until wealthy Hong Kong businessman Allan Zeman built a home on the headland closest to Surin, no buildings could be seen, except for a couple of beach restaurants.

The restaurants have a thriving trade, frequented mostly by Italian and English tourists who have made Laem Sing their second home, along with expat residents.

Jetskis have also intruded on this idyllic scene is recent high seasons. Some Sunday afternoons, live music is played.

With full moon beach parties, the fame of Laem Sigh has spread and the crowded carpark at the top became a signal that something good was happening at the bottom of the steep slope.

Erosion runoff from construction of the viewpoint may wear away the earthen stairs to the point where more permanent steps are necessary.

If that happens, Laem Singh's days of charm as a secluded hideaway may also be numbered.

Khun Jutra, fresh from playing a key role in last week's 20-hour blockade in Kamala, told Phuketwan that the Orbortor had no connection with the fees being charged to park cars and motorcycles at the top of the stairway.

A property expert said that over the years, at least two resort brands had looked at building on the land behind the near-perfect beach, but the slope had proved too steep.



Ristorante Da Ali, Laem Singh Beach
As long as the sand is underfoot and not spread like pepper all over your meal, lunch on the beach is a wonderful experience. And there is no better place to be on Phuket than at Laem Singh, provided the jetskis stay away.
Ristorante Da Ali, Laem Singh Beach


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Blockade Photo Album A protest that blocked traffic in central Kamala on Phuket's west coast was triggered by unhappiness in the village over the aftermath of a fight between local youths.
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