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Goodbye Surin Beach Clubs: New Destruction Deadlines Announced for Phuket Beaches
By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison Monday, July 28, 2014
PHUKET: All remaining beach clubs and restaurants at Phuket's Surin beach are to be ordered demolished as a series of rolling tear-'em-down deadlines are applied at every beach along the holiday island's west coast.
Phuketwan learned that from today, local authorities will be handing final notices to all remaining businesses on Surin's shorefront, including Catch, Bimi, Zazada, Pla and Salt.
The football stadium and the birthday sala in tribute to HM The King are also illegal but are likely to be spared on appeal to Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud as public use not private profit is their purpose.
The rolling deadlines will dramatically finalise clearances on Phuket's shorefronts.
Any intrusions on public space at Patong beach will be demolished by the Army on August 1 - this Friday, said Major General Somchai Ponatong, the island's top soldier.
More deadlines will follow at other beaches with local Cherng Talay mayor Ma-Ann Samran today specifying a destruction deadline of this week for Bang Tao, August 9 for Layan beach and August 17 for Laypang.
He specifically mentioned the Lotus restaurant and the Palm Beach Club as being destined for destruction before August 17.
Local people had left their beach restaurants at Bang Tao, where the demolition teams will move this week with charges likely to be laid by police against the occupiers of two remaining restaurants, Mayor Ma-Ann said.
''The others have already been demolished,'' he said.
Surin has posed perhaps the biggest question about the determination of the military's National Peace and Order Council, which took control of Thailand on May 22, to clear private profit-takers from Phuket's beaches.
In Phase One, all commercial operations on the seaward side of a path that runs the length of the beach were removed. Now, after weeks of examination of documents, Mayor Ma-Ann says the restaurants and beach clubs on the other side of the path also must go.
He said officials have now decided that the original row of buildings, erected to benefit the local community, had all been modified and the modifications had broken the law.
All buildings within the public parkland that was originally a royal golf course were illegal, he said, including the new Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation football stadium - which only opened earlier this year - and the sala erected as a municipal tribute to HM The King.
The building honoring The King and the football stadium were likely to be saved on appeal because they were for public usage, not private profit, he said.
A series of deadlines for the Surin businesses effectively mean their demolition will have to be complete within 60 days, about the end of September.
The restaurants and beach clubs along the Surin shorefront have proved to be hugely popular with tourists. But it's certainly true that entrepreneurs have turned a private profit from public space.
The destruction of the clubs and restaurants, though, would leave Surin - generally categorised as the island's five-star beach - with no restaurants nearby.
Patong and several other beaches still have restaurants along their shorefronts, so Surin would lose its present appeal.
Mayor Ma-Ann also said today that he intends to ban all vendors from Surin beach and the other beaches under his purview.
This is in sharp contrast with Patong, where vendors have been allowed to work on the sand, provided they keep moving and do not set up stalls of any kind. A Phuketwan survey yesterday indicated that scores of vendors are still operating on Patong beach.
Sunbeds and umbrellas have been banned at all Phuket beaches. Tourists appear to be adjusting, but the vast numbers who use the beaches in December and January may not all approve of sitting on towels or mats instead.
With different approaches being taken at different beaches, Phuketwan suggests that the only way for consistent standards to be applied across all of Phuket's beaches is for a Phuket Beach Authority to be created, with the Royal Thai Navy's involvement in daily patrols to enforce regulations.
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Comments
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I hope the area around the lagoon and especially the restaurant at the south end of nai harn receives a deadline for demolishing and cleaning up the mess they left behind.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
July 28, 2014 15:10
What about all the small bars and restaurants in the trees just off the beach (of the sand) at Layan, including the famous reggae bar. Going or staying?
Posted by
phonus
on
July 28, 2014 15:17
Editor Comment:
Anything illegal will be going, if it hasn't already.
Frankly I think this is very sad for Surin Beach. While I completely support the removal of the structures, etc. on the beachside, this leaves the '5' star beach with no amenities.
Posted by
nParadise
on
July 28, 2014 15:22
No mention of Zazada in this piece. I see they haven't pulled down the bar and pool from round 1 demolition orders.
Posted by
LJ
on
July 28, 2014 15:55
Editor Comment:
No mention of Zazada? Are you serious? Try paragraph two.
The losers are the owners of the clubs (and staff of course) etc at the beaches that paid "influential people" for the right to operate there...the short/midterm winners are the people that love the nature and the long term winners will be the "influential people" that already cashed in and now will sit back and wait for the opportunity to do it all again.
Posted by
Sailor
on
July 28, 2014 15:59
So all these clubs are officially being pulled down - I do feel sorry for the people who will loose their jobs. Personally I think they have gone too far with this.
Posted by
Ciaran
on
July 28, 2014 16:28
Editor Comment:
Events haven't quite reached that far, Ciaran, but that's the direction the issue is taking.
@Sailor:
I'm not sure, but I'd be surprised if the owners of Twin Palms paid "influential people" for the right to operate Catch Beach Club and Bimi. I knew them well, and unless there have been changes in the last four years, I would find your allegation hard to believe.
Posted by
Pete
on
July 28, 2014 16:42
- Sailor
Spot on.
Unless the Influentials are brought to justice, we have no justice.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
July 28, 2014 17:10
Editor Comment:
If the 21st century lynch mobs have their way, blame will be apportioned on the sniff of every rumor. That's hardly justice. Your response should not be ''spot on'' but ''where's the evidence?''
I think I'll take a picnic to Kamala beach on Friday and watch the demise of the l'Last 10'. Crawler tractor was completing demolition at the north end of the Beach on Friday and progressively working south.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
July 28, 2014 17:16
And tomorrow we are back to the jungle and have to hunt for our dinner...
I think that's just too much for a 100 % tourist destination. Phuket is not a eco tourism destination and never will be one. Just look at the number of rooms available in Patong. Why not giving these ( paying ) tourists some comfort and fun on the beach ? This is what they came for... Why not renting out the land with legal contracts to entrepreneurs as done in other countries ? Happy to see TAT's answer to complaints from November onwards
Posted by
resident
on
July 28, 2014 18:12
Well said sailor.
An important question is:
How sustainable is this?
And damn right, it should be or better be!
Good reporting Phuketwan!
Yet I take slight issue with the words, "...Surin would lose its present appeal."
I feel this is arguable, because some would say the area is becoming more appealing by loosing the upscale beach clubs. Others reasonably disagree. I tend to agree with Phuketwan on this, because the remaining structures do not really seem to be overbearing. However, the law is the law and I think it sets a great precedent for restoring Phuket natural beauty... which tourists will come to love more and more... regulations should not enforced across the board... it will be less "appealing" for the black money flow.
"This is in sharp contrast with Patong, where vendors have been allowed to work on the sand..." not for long, right? It was just reported, "Any intrusions on public space at Patong beach will be demolished by the Army on August 1 - this Friday, said Major General Somchai Ponatong, the island's top soldier."
In summary, wow that is a lot of restaurants to take down in Surin and Patong soon. I went and had a walk along these entire areas, buildings encroached massively and how about the resorts as well? It seems a number of resorts will need to be torn down in Patong beach?
THAT is a lot of cleaning.... my hat is off to 'em!
Posted by
J
on
July 28, 2014 18:54
Editor Comment:
Patong is only likely to lose one extended beach resort restaurant. There may be other buildings, though, that we're not aware of.
The present appeal of Surin is, to many, the beach clubs and restaurants. Thus ''Surin would lose its present appeal.''
An army of women selling sushi from the back end of cars will not have the same appeal.
(moderated)
Posted by
Logic
on
July 28, 2014 19:08
Editor Comment:
Apportioning yourself with the name ''Logic,'' you should be able to distinguish between sensible debate and over-the-top invective.
Closing all beach bars does seem like a mistake to me.
Umbrellas are needed for shade. It's nicer sitting on a bed rather than a towel on the beach.
Places like Catch have been a great asset to the area. Smaller eatsblishments too have been great. I thought that the Surin was looking great back in February with lots of nice places to stop in and watch the sun go down
Big mistake for the local economy
Posted by
Anonymous
on
July 28, 2014 19:18
Editor Comment:
It's a bit unfair to talk about issues that ''seem a mistake to me'' without giving me a name.
Crimes rates will be up sky high. Thanks, Dear Leader
Posted by
MediaWatcher
on
July 28, 2014 19:50
Editor Comment:
You appear to be implying that Surin beach club staff will turn to crime. What planet are you on today?
- Ed
I know everyone's response should mirror yours but obviously they do not.
If you continue telling everyone how to eat their porridge, you only end up undermining your own point of view.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
July 28, 2014 19:57
Editor Comment:
I only challenge unthinking responses, ThaiMike, or those that say ''rahrah'' because they're not capable of giving an issue a moment's real thought.
What is happening to Nikki Beach Club at Layan? Is that staying or going?
Going I hope as it has spoiled what was an unspoilt area!!?
Any news?
Posted by
MikeAny
on
July 28, 2014 20:19
Editor Comment:
Nikki Beach is perfectly legal and therefore not about to disappear. Those who think the music is too loud should research local laws on noise pollution.
It will be interesting to see what happens at Patong beach in a few days!
Having a casual walk on the sand between Loma Park and the Police station, one can see that perhaps more than a few establishments (both resorts and restaurants) might be under threat...
Posted by
J
on
July 28, 2014 20:51
Shame or no shame, whatever the point of view, these structures need to all come down. Laws need to be reinforced without compromise. Phuket has been built on compromise and that thinking needs to be wiped out for Phuket to have a good and sustainable future.
Posted by
Duncan
on
July 28, 2014 20:52
Editor Comment:
If 60 percent of the profits went towards preserving the environment, would the official outlook change? I wonder.
and now tourists will not come to phuket anymore, thai people are gonna lose their jobs,...they will regret it!
I already booked a holiday elsewhere, where we can lay under an umbrella, on a sunbed, with a cool drink...like we used to do at Catch Club!! I feel sorry for all those nice people who work there...
Posted by
mireille
on
July 28, 2014 21:34
The football stadium and the sala are not open to public use, only a small clique, the restaurants are open to the public on the other hand. The stadium has no doubt generated sizeable private profits for the contractor pals who built it and will have to maintain it. Already the unused eyesore is covered in rust. Football stadiums devalue neighbourhoods. They should be demolished as well and Surin should have a stunning landscaped garden in its place.
Posted by
Todd
on
July 28, 2014 22:56
Editor Comment:
Perhaps you're ignoring the need for places for locals to play football, Todd. I don't know where you come from but I bet there are sports amenities designed to be enjoyed by the local people. Football stadiums only devalue neighbors in the eyes of people who only care about money.
Nikki Beach is legal??!! (moderated)
Don't get me wrong I am supportive of the whole clean up but allow toursts some comfort with a sun bed. Allow so many to a certain sq m and police it.
The other major issue is what action is being taken against the officials that openly took the money to allow all this illegal building etc? They should be brought to justice as well as ripping down buildings.
Posted by
Mickey
on
July 28, 2014 22:57
Editor Comment:
If you happened to be at a destination where there weren't enough sunbeds to go around, how angry would you be at missing out, Mickey? Would you be tempted to bribe the operator to make sure you had a sunbed every day? That's the kind of problem that develops when a system caters for haves and have-nots. The sunbeds were already everywhere, promoting greed and ruining access for others.
@Ciaran
I do feel sorry for the people who will loose their jobs.
===
There is no such things as "losinga job" in Thailand as unemployment vrate consistently under 1%. A person could lose the job, but not a job, and may need to relocate, truth - but e.g. in US internal migration is common too.
Posted by
Sue
on
July 29, 2014 00:59
What about places down by Divers old bar? Still standing? Or are the problem sites down the north end?
Posted by
GiantFan
on
July 29, 2014 05:36
Editor Comment:
The whole shorefront. The article mentions premises on both sides of the car park.
A bunch of 40 Locals need an empty stadium to play football in, but 100,000 tourists can't have an umbrella between them? And no, where I come from there is no prejudice based on where people are born. Everyone gets to use sports facilities on the same terms, the locations of which are not next to corrosive sea water.
Posted by
Todd
on
July 29, 2014 05:42
Editor Comment:
Most everywhere, Todd, politicians are elected to serve the needs of the people who choose them. That situation will change when tourists gain the vote, just as Thailand will change when people regain the vote. Bring your own umbrella.
How can the Nikki beach club be legal? It is sitting right on the beach.
Posted by
Corinna
on
July 29, 2014 06:15
Editor Comment:
It's legal, Corinna. And it's behind the beach, not on it.
great news.we used to live in the structure at the southern end of the beach
great surf great local thais and only us 10 or so farungs.hope it gets back to that. no thats being greedy let everybody enjoy surin beach in its natural state again
Posted by
bondi
on
July 29, 2014 06:18
@Mickey
Nikki Beach is located in Zone 1 and Zone 2:
Zone1 is up to 50 meters from high tide mark. For the first 20m in Zone 1 there is no construction allowed, for the rest - max 2 story buildings , up to 75m2, density up to 25%.
Nikki Beach main building located already in Zone2 height can be up to 12meters.
So construction is legal.
Another thing is noise pollution, that probably is legal too - as neither state of municipal authorities didn't pre-empt such construction with a proper regulation.
Posted by
Sue
on
July 29, 2014 06:21
@ resident
"Why not giving these ( paying ) tourists some comfort and fun on the beach ? This is what they came for... Why not renting out the land with legal contracts to entrepreneurs as done in other countries ? "
-- --
For a start, if you rent out the beach to private entrepreneurs, then not all of the foreigners you mention above will be able to enjoy it without paying whatever entry fees or services are required. That is "not" what people come to Phuket for. That was actually why many left.
And as for all this talk about there being no food for tourists to eat. What a joke. As long as there are hungry people looking for dinner, there will be people laying tables and passing them menus to choose from. It's supply and demand. The only difference is now "all" the restaurants will need to pay rent on private land, not tea money on public land.
Posted by
Chris
on
July 29, 2014 07:28
Editor Comment:
There appears to be no law to prevent mobile food sales, hence the woman selling sushi from the back of a car in the Surin car park, or the fruit being sold from a pickup. Starvation is unlikely. But fine dining and good wine may be harder to find.
And the so well liked JETSKI operators in Patong are still there and in Surin I can not get an sunbed or umbrella anymore and at the end nothing to eat and drink - so for what i should go there?
For a sunburned body powdered by sand, hungry and thursty? Thanks, but we live in 2014 not 1914
Posted by
KGP
on
July 29, 2014 07:59
Editor Comment:
If this was 1914, we would be facing four years of the greatest slaughter known to humankind and the use of chemical weapons. Thank your lucky stars, KGP, that the beautiful beaches of Phuket are not likely to be awash with war anytime soon.
Mireille, you " already booked a holiday elsewhere, where we can lay under an umbrella, on a sunbed, with a cool drink...like we used to do at Catch Club!! " excellent ! on the contrary my family members may come to Phang Nga or Phuket ( last year seeing the invasions of large umbrellas and sunbeds that hide the views they decided t it was their last journey in Nay Yang ). They are waiting to see if the beaches will really keep their natural look after the cleaning before booking.
Posted by
natural views
on
July 29, 2014 09:13
@ KGP you say "nothing to eat and drink - so for what i should go there? For a sunburned body powdered by sand, hungry and thursty " You may have noticed that most Thai families occupy the beaches with mats, picnic food, hats and small umbrellas, and avoid the sun from 11 am to 3 pm. I see nothing less advanced in it, but rather respect for others and nature.
Posted by
long time resident
on
July 29, 2014 09:41
Sumbed and umbrella? The solution might be, " The City Hall to take charge of the service: public service on public land, and tourists will return to crowd the beaches!
Should be a local Municipality job!
Posted by
James
on
July 29, 2014 09:48
Editor Comment:
You really don't get it, do you James? All the problems on Phuket's beaches have been caused because the elected councils turn a blind eye to the activities of their voters. The last people who can be expected to manage public space to benefit everyone are the local councils. The present incumbents are being obliged to carry out the orders of the military - and some of them will fall at the next elections because of that. The mayors have our sympathy.
The beaches should be managed by an independent Phuket Beach Authority, with the Royal Thai Navy enforcing regulations.
"The other major issue is what action is being taken against the officials that openly took the money to allow all this illegal building etc? They should be brought to justice as well as ripping down buildings."
Agreed. I think that would be full and proper enforcement, and a deterrent to future corruption.
Posted by
J
on
July 29, 2014 11:46
Editor Comment:
There was no illegal building. The original construction was by the local council. The buildings were then modified, and the modifications have been declared unacceptable. Before you support this comment, you should be asking: ''What illegal building?'' And now you take it one step further, to allege corruption. What evidence is there for corruption, J? Please tell us all. Or is this more of the lynch mob mentality, all based on rumors or supposition?
- Ed
I got it very well! Your reply doesn't fit to my comment. Why the local Municipality can't menage that job? Built one or more stages in front of the beach and Civil Servants rent sunbeds and umbrellas to tourists, with the issuance of a receipt mail. Like when you send a letter, you receive a regular e-receipt. Where's the problem? It's a public service like another.
Posted by
James
on
July 29, 2014 13:48
My wife and I have been visiting Patong
beach for over 20 years. We are both in our 60's and love sitting on a Sun bed under an umbrella on the beach in front of Impiana Cabana Resort. If we can no longer enjoy this "indulgence" we will be going somewhere else for our holiday - eg Koh Samuii.
Posted by
Aussie Vacationer
on
July 29, 2014 13:52
Editor Comment:
There are no longer beds in front of the Impiana. But there are some inside the Impiana.
Should we ask ourselves, why such a focus on Surin Beach and especially Catch Club ??? Could it be an old grudge ?? Did some individuals lost money when the 48 hours bash party was moved to Patong ? At that time some individuals were authorized to privatized the public beach, how come ?? . If I recall it was suppose to bring 50,000 People at 5.000 Baht, Loss potential revenue 250.000 Millions plus a % of all the restaurant revenue and money from the sponsors. . Surin will soon be a ghost beach if all the hotels cannot offer some kind service on the beach, big spenders will move to Bali and the Island will be back in the 80 s. How many people have lost their jobs how many more will ?? TAT will come to the rescue and spend millions to restore Thailand image.
Posted by
james
on
July 29, 2014 15:22
Editor Comment:
There's no indication that the Army holds grudges, and there's certainly a case to be made for keeping Surin's present charm.
What a bizarre joke of a thing to do I have holidayed for 3 weeks a year in Surin for the last 6 years now. The reason I love going back are chilling on the beach during the day having a fantastic set of restaurants and bars and the quality of people is always good. Now what are you left with a blank beach where the waves are too rough for kids and you can't even get a bottle of water.
Who's idea was this? They need their heads read if they think this is going to be anything but a disaster for the local area for tourism which is basically how the entire area lives and is supported. Truly this is madness.
Posted by
Matthew Winters
on
July 29, 2014 15:34
Editor Comment:
You need to debate the issue with the general now running Thailand, Matthew.
the exodus of tourists have begun - bad mistake army
Posted by
Bobby
on
July 29, 2014 16:27
Editor Comment:
Tourists are going, that's true, and others are arriving.
I can see this already going seriously wrong. A car park full of car boot sale vendors. salengs already lined up along the pathway peddling street food, under the shadows of a rusty stadium. Grannie massage hustlers sprawled all along the beach on sandy mats and all restaurants converted back to homeless shelters.
Posted by
todd
on
July 29, 2014 16:46
" There's no indication that the Army holds grudges "
I'm not sure Red Shirts would agree with that.
It's been quite openly discussed in Thai media that there appears to be a systematic removal of all Pro-Thaksin staff from Government offices and enterprises. Most recent example being Thai Airways.
It was also reported that tourist arrivals have dropped 25% last month so obviously a lot less are coming.
Had Yai had a dramatic drop in occupancy, reported to be only 20%.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
July 29, 2014 19:57
Editor Comment:
That has nothing to do with grudges, ThaiMike. That's all about corruption, nepotism, cronyism and greed. My comment stands. I fail to see any connection to tourism, except the problem created by the media outside Thailand.
Why not leaving a limited number of Restaurants, sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches. Let them pay for a license. Oblige them to Keep their surroundigs clean. Licenses should be sold on a public auction.
Posted by
Dominik
on
July 29, 2014 20:09
We have been ON Patong beach for many years, and I think it i sa good idea to clean the beach. But we will never come back if we not can have an ambrellar and a sunbed. I feel sorry for all the people who loos their income from my money. They Are nice people that deservs every bath.
Posted by
Oystein
on
July 29, 2014 21:53
Editor Comment:
Baths they will get, have no fear.
Ed said "There are no longer beds in front of the Impiana. But there are some inside the Impiana." - That's no consolation if you're not staying at the Impiana. What about the "Beach" restaurants just north from the Impiana eg "Sabai Beach Restaurant" - are they still there?
Posted by
Aussie Vacationer
on
July 30, 2014 15:07
Editor Comment:
None at all on Patong beach. They are banned.
My family has been going to patong now for the last 5 years, we are heading over this Sunday for what I was hoping for a 2 week relaxing holiday with my family. I work hard long hours all year running two business. I have been looking forward to laying on the beach under a shaded umbrella and been waited on by the lovely Thai people getting my drinks and food. This is so sad for the hard working thai people what will they do for money now? I do hope karon beach still has the chairs and umbrellas or this will be a very disappointing holiday for my family. And we may never return sadly.
Posted by
Amanda
on
July 31, 2014 06:52
Editor Comment:
Sunbeds have been banned from all of Phuket's beaches. I think you should visit first before being too gloomy. Please let us know what you think about ''the New Phuket.''
Well editor
Considering I'm already disappointed is not a good sign, and to think now I have to take up valuable room in my luggage for beach towels and have to some how transport a umbrella or buy one over there as my children or husband cannot sit directly in the sun, cause it's way to hot. Valuable space that would have been filled up with items that I purchased from patong? Very sad very sad and no thought to the traveling tourist!
Posted by
Amanda
on
July 31, 2014 09:34
Editor Comment:
Most people we've talked to here prefer Phuket's beaches without the sunbeds, Amanda. Perhaps you should wait until you've visited before making a judgement? We'd be keen to hear your opinion once you can actually strike comparisons. A mat will cost you 50 baht and your accommodation should let you borrow towels, if you need them. The weather is so pleasant, many people simply dry off in the sun. I don't recall sunbed operators ever providing towels. There's also plenty of shade under the trees at Patong.
Friends of ours have just returned and said it was most unpleasant being in patong tab the moment with all this rubbish going on. I wish I new all this was going to happen I would have not booked and would have gone to Bali instead! There maybe shady trees at patong beach but not at karon where we go that's for sure. If only I could reverse my ticket! Very sad for the Thai people !
Posted by
Amanda
on
July 31, 2014 12:50
Editor Comment:
Hardly sad for the Thai people - their beaches are being preserved for generations to come. More visitors are likely to come to Phuket with the beaches now visible, and looking good. The sunbeds suited a lucky few but the pressure of numbers means there aren't enough and the beaches would ultimately be destroyed. Do tell us what you find, Amanda.
I read the Beach changes here at PW. I think many annual regulars of Phuket are in for a shock on their next trip.
That being said I also think the person in charge of Surin area not allowing vendors in the beach is doing harm to the Thai people trying to make a living and the tourist that have to travel for food and water from the beach.
I do believe in changing the scams and encroachment of public land for sure.
I think many annual regulars are going to be searching for a new place to visit after this next high season. I have seen some of the Older out of shape people in high season that won't be lying on sand because they can't get up without help.
I think high season and no sun protection ( Umbrellas ) won't work. There are only so many trees on the sand and the root of trees don't make a nice bed to lye on.
My prediction for the 2015/2016 high season, drops by more than 10 % of annual regulars of the island.
Hospital First Aid for sun burn increases by 20%.
But I still see the biggest problem parked on the sand in your photos, Jet Skis.
I am assuming the water inflatables on Patong beach won't be there any longer. There go 6 more Thai jobs. Does Thailand have unemployment benefits? What happens to all of the Hard working Thais that depend on the beach for income? Has anyone looked into the affect on them yet?
I hope there is a need for many Thai workers this season, in a new job area because Poverty Stinks!
Posted by
John
on
August 1, 2014 22:57
@Amanda
Have you been to Bali?
Where are there swimming beaches please?
98% of tourists lay by the pool, with few exceptions like being at Lovina , or been a surfer at Kuta.
The rest have happy days by the pool at Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and so on.
There few artificial reefs that makes few beaches near some hotels not surf beaches, like St.Regis - but then mind a pricing.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 2, 2014 06:46
For all those complainants Re:no sun beds anymore in a Phuket ,
Just carefully read a typical Ao Nang beach review, and pay attention to a last sentence - as that what Krabi local laws stipulates:
" The Ao Nang seafront was just amazing. Located along the entire seafront the cafes, the restaurants and the shops, the views were just amazing. People on the beach were lying on towels and there were no sun beds at all."
Posted by
Sue
on
August 2, 2014 07:22
@Pete
Allegedly businesses at Surin Beach - those who do operates real business in that chain - paid annual rent 5M THB per rai.
And OrBorTor now makes Big Eyes whom this rent was paid to.
I guess someone pretending to a person /company who has an original contract with municipality.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 2, 2014 07:39
Workmen were busy nailing down floorboards and repairing the roof to the Tom-Yam-Gung restaurant on Bangtao Beach the other day. I wonder why that should be? The place has had its 'feet' in the ocean for at least 2 decades. Perhaps that makes its owner exempt from Thai Law?
Posted by
agogohome
on
August 3, 2014 14:24
"Workmen were busy nailing down floorboards and repairing the roof to the Tom-Yam-Gung restaurant on Bangtao Beach the other day. I wonder why that should be? The place has had its 'feet' in the ocean for at least 2 decades. Perhaps that makes its owner exempt from Thai Law?"
I don't understand. I thought this stretch had already been cleared (along with Babylon Beach club, Blue Lagoon etc)? Of all these, Tom Yum Goong is built nearest to the water. Has not this stage of clearance been finished?
Posted by
phonus balonus
on
August 3, 2014 15:20
We are coming back again next week, probably for the last time if all the comments are true about the beaches being cleared. Your editor seems to not care about the economy at all, what good are empty beaches to anyone. Are the local governments not smart enough to run the beaches and bars themselves or at least charge a licence fee to operate. In high season, if you have one, will there be enough sun beds in the hotels for everyone, I think not. I also agree with the comment about Phuket not being an Eco tourist destination, it is a place for everyone to have fun.
Posted by
Dave from Brisbane
on
August 6, 2014 16:43
Editor Comment:
Not many tourist destinations rely on the privatising of beaches to sustain the local economy, DfB. Indulging the hedonistic pleasure of people on sunbeds only fills the pockets of a few who profit from misuse of public beaches. What leads you to think they pay taxes? Good for their economy, but not for the country.
Whilst it is laudable the beaches are cleared, what about the mass of enormous billboards (one advertising a local newspaper) cluttering the area around what was Central? Incredibly ugly. Or don't the junta care about the despoilation of the main artery as tourists don't go lay their towels on it?
Posted by
jonty
on
August 7, 2014 13:42
Editor Comment:
Billboards are mostly on private property. Greed, again. No concept of the community's broader needs. Which newspaper is that?
very soon no Surin beach at all, the beach road at the end already fall down into to sea , some trees already fall down soon the sea will take over , no beach no tourists anymore , is that we want ?
Posted by
peter
on
August 10, 2014 13:07
Yesterday (14 Aug) the army came to Nai Yang beach and declared many businesses illegal and for the owners to dismantle them - WITHOUT AUTHORISING DOCUMENTATION.
Included in this was Naiyang Seaview Place - DESPITE THE FAMILY HAVING BEEN ON THE LAND FOR 3 GENERATIONS & HAVING CORRECT LEGAL DOCUMENTS.
* The owner won a court case in 2011 regarding the removal of her business 13 years ago by the then government. The government subsequently paid compensation to the owner for that interference.
*The army did not present any authorising documentation to the owner of NSP, nor did they look at the documents evidencing the owner's right to maintain a business there.
* Another family member has flown to Bangkok to evidence their right to maintain a business on this land.
* The family also expresses their frustration at what they call a double standard with places like Nikki Beach in Layan being able to maintain that large enterprise there.
Posted by
James
on
August 16, 2014 11:38
Editor Comment:
Action is now being taken under martial law, which means any other rules or previous agreements no longer apply. Any agreement to allow a private business to operate in a public space cannot have been obtained legally. The family would need to own the land. Nikki Beach Club owns the land.
- James
Perhaps you missed the fact that you now live in a Military Dictatorship.
A M-16 gives them all the authorization they need.
Just ask your friends to sing the Happy Song composed by Uncle Prayuth and everything will be fine.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 16, 2014 13:08
Editor Comment:
Foolish comments are for fools to make and fools to believe. I will happily pass on your email if asked by the Army, ThaiMike. If you are unhappy, I suggest you try becoming ''NorthKoreaMike'' or ''FloridaMike.''
- Ed
As if you had a choice.
If you don't do what the Army tells you, be prepared to end up in Military court.
Nothing foolish about my comment.
Like it or not, that is the reality in Thailand now.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 16, 2014 13:53
Editor Comment:
It's fool's scare talk, ThaiMike, and you know it. The fact is, Thailand is going through one of its corrective coups - the coups that regularly prove necessary when ''democracy'' falls over. This coup is the most impressive coup so far because of the signals that previous mistakes have been learned and will not be repeated. So far, the generals have consistently scored pluses. To pretend that M16s have anything to do with it or that there's some kind of atmosphere of fear is best left to fools to imply and fools to believe.
- Ed
If it is just "fools scare talk", why would you imply declaring you will pass on my email address to the Army would in any way have negative consequences for me ?
If there's nothing to be feared, who cares if their emails are passed on, huh ?
Besides, you would have to pass on my IP and you can be 100% sure they have mine and everyone else's IP already anyway.
It has been reported there are thousands of officials working to "unearth" online violations.
Considering the amount of powerful toes PW has stepped on along the years, only a fool would imagine this site is not under very close scrutiny.
I'm the first one to praise the positive changes the coup has brought about but at what cost ? Hitler did a lot of good too.
Thailand is the only nation in modern times that "needs" repetitive coups every few years.
It's rather paradoxical to claim the generals have scored only pluses when all criticism of the military rulers has been banned and criminalized.
How would you know what people really think when they are not allowed to speak up ?
Now if these postings get me arrested, with or without your help, what consequences do you think it will have on PW and you personally ?
Several message board operators have been arrested and jailed for merely not removing offensive postings quickly enough.
If you truly believe what I just said here is in breach of the Junta's orders, then you are doing everyone a disservice by publishing them.
Either way I'm glad you did and hope you continue doing so.
Posted by
ThaiMike
on
August 16, 2014 14:21
Editor Comment:
I wrote: ''I will happily pass on your email if asked by the Army.''
You're the only one creating the false impressions, something you seem overly eager to do. And that's your problem.
''Hitler did a lot of good, too'' is your lame-brained way of seeking even more attention.
The military is not above criticism but those who type without logic or balance and ignore the facts are likely to be singled out for special attention.
I'm inclined to think the military will realise you're a just an attention-seeking fool.
.
Back to nature is great but with all the trash washing up on the beaches daily each community needs to take quick action to keep the beaches clean daily before pictures of empty trash covered beaches ends up on the internet. Trashed beaches would do little to help future tourism. I was at Kata beach two day's ago and without the venders to clean it the beach was covered in trash (except the small sections still cleaned by nearby businesses).
Posted by
mike
on
August 21, 2014 13:29
Editor Comment:
There's always trash washed up by the sea at this time of year, mike. Do the vendors clear the monsoon rubbish? Don't think so.
We are here only a few weeks after the demolition.. The beaches and side walk ways look like another tsunami has hit!! rocks, wires, cement, tiles and everything you could imagine is on the beaches.. It looks terrible .. Not safe for children.. When will the mess get cleaned up?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
September 10, 2014 18:35
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I hope the area around the lagoon and especially the restaurant at the south end of nai harn receives a deadline for demolishing and cleaning up the mess they left behind.
Posted by Anonymous on July 28, 2014 15:10