Personal Umbrellas OK at Phuket Beaches
By Prasit Tarnsirisin and Alan Morison Tuesday, November 18, 2014
PHUKET: Tourists can bring their own sunbeds and umbrellas to Patong and to all of Phuket's beaches, Phuket Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtadav told Phuketwan today.
''Of course they can,'' he said. ''There is no law against it.''
Visitors to Kamala, to Karon and to Kata are welcome to bring their own umbrellas and beach chairs, Phuketwan was also told today by authorities who oversee those beaches.
Just why some police should tell patrons at Patong beach that they cannot do so remains a mystery.
Unless perhaps it prevents them from getting in the way of parasailers.
Banning visitors from bringing their own chairs and umbrellas could also force the local council to more actively consider the return of the thousands of privately-owned sunbeds and umbrellas.
The Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, Colonel Jirapat Palchanaphan, said yesterday that he is so busy with keeping the peace and the traffic flowing for the Fourth Asian Beach Games that he had no time to discuss the issue.
However, if Patong officers have been telling tourists that they cannot bring their own umbrellas and sunbeds, it seems they are out of line.
Tourists may have to ask officers to produce the written law that prohibits sunlovers and swimmers from bringing their own beach equipment.
The Chief Administrative Officer at Karon, Weerasak Anekwongsawat, went even further than the vice governor.
''You can pick up a sunbed for about 300 baht and an umbrella for about 200 baht at most supermarkets,'' he said.
''We have no problem with anyone bringing their own equipment to Karon beach, provided they also take it home with them when they decide to leave.''
Phuketwan has also seen personal umbrellas in use at Nai Harn and Surin beaches, so only at Patong does it seem there could be a problem with one or perhaps two overzealous officers.
Vice Governor Jamleran added that the final decisions have yet to be made about beach zoning concepts put forward by self-interested sunbed and umbrella business groups.
The reaction of visitors to the new, cleared beaches on Phuket has been overwhelmingly in favor of the new look.
Phuketwan has also received a few comments from readers - mostly those who haven't seen the new beaches - threatening to abandon Phuket holidays unless they can have beach sunbeds.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
There is no reason why resorts cannot stock & supply their guests with mats, chairs or umbrellas. Many already supply umbrellas for the rainy season. Whether they do that free & gratis or charge is up to the resort.
Posted by
Logic
on
November 18, 2014 12:55
One can wonder why its even an issue for PW to bring this up tho PW claims that there are no needs for sunbeds and umbrellas.... even the best beaches in the world dont have it so why would we need that in Phuket? just asking?
Posted by
frog
on
November 18, 2014 14:06
Editor Comment:
You can bring your own umbrella. Other reports elsewhere suggest you cannot. PW is correcting false information. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas is banned, not bringing your own.
On the beach not just a few but MANY tourists complain about the "new" beaches.
They have ALL seen the new terrible situation.
Since when is telling that you are looking for another country "threatening"?
Very few people are happy with the new situation.
Posted by
Monique
on
November 18, 2014 14:07
Editor Comment:
Are you moving from your regular spot? All over the island, at every beach we've visited, people are happy with the new-look beaches. Happiest of all are the residents, who can now see the true beauty of Phuket's natural assets.
I am a tourist in my late 20s, coming to Phuket since 2011 to stay during European winter. I cannot describe how i love to see sand and walk freely on the beach now. Love that there is no beach chairs anymore.
And I did experience the huge comfort when there were no jet-skis for a couple of days due to the Asian Games.
Personally, I would ban parasailing and any other motor activity. And no fireworks make it safer to run by the sea in the evening.
It is amazing when you can really enjoy white sand and swim safely in the sea.
Posted by
Sawadeeka
on
November 18, 2014 16:02
Editor Comment:
Thank you. Unfortunately the sunbed fans are very loud. But we know you speak for the vast majority who are delighted with the new Phuket, along with every Thai who doesn't profit from misuse of the public beaches.
"Happiest of all are the residents" Which residents? The majority of Thai people, who spent their days walking at the beaches or the ones who has houses directly in front of the beaches?
"you speak for the vast majority who are delighted with the new Phuket" Is the vast majority, the people, that have commented on this issue?
"along with every Thai who doesn't profit from misuse of the public beaches" All people living on the west cost of Phuket profit from happy tourists, unless they have an overseas income.
A dubious crusade in which opinions are described as facts, do not increase readers credibility to editorial director of a news page.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 18, 2014 16:47
Editor Comment:
The beaches belong to all Thais, Sherlock. Don't you get it?
The beaches of Phuket never were just for the locals - and a few greedy people from other parts, including overseas - to make money from.
They belong to all of Thailand.
The comments here are mostly from a small number of people whose hedonism over the years has earned an income for a small number of people in Patong.
The government, in its wisdom, has decided it wants the beaches back for all Thai people for enjoy, and for the public beaches to be for the public, whether it be someone from Isaarn or Uzbekistan.
That seems very reasonable. Your wallet is still doing the talking for you. Take your argument up with the military.
"Just why some police should tell patrons at Patong beach that they cannot do so remains a mystery."
I think you're being facetious. It was an obvious attempt by the vendors to get their sunbed and umbrella crap back on the beach. Pay a few cops to tell tourists to take their umbrellas down and we can get that golden income stream moving again. But you have to hand it to them, it was very creative. See what they come back with next week.
Posted by
Kamala
on
November 18, 2014 17:49
Editor Comment:
PW is being truthful. Your argument is speculation. It's unfair to accuse police of taking bribes, or of acting on behalf of a specific group, unless you have proof.
Another web site are saying that umbrellas are defiantly not allowed so say Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsab, I counted at least 6 Umbrellas yesterday on Patong beach. Whats happening,
Posted by
Dobby
on
November 18, 2014 18:38
Editor Comment:
Sounds like commonsense may be prevailing. There is no law against people bringing their own umbrellas and chairs, or sunbeds.
I see the other English language news outlet has published this story with the exact opposite comments from the vice governor and mayor.
Can pw please confirm your story as fact as they do make a reference to the other English language paper gave their facts wrong.
Posted by
Phuketsavioir
on
November 18, 2014 18:55
Editor Comment:
We stand by our story. There is no regulation banning people from bringing their own umbrellas and other equipment. Such a rule would make Phuket an international laughing stock.
The Phuket Gazette ran a ridiculous story about the need for sun chairs and umbrellas to shade the wee baby a couple of days ago. The only people who want that to happen are the people in the food chain.
Posted by
Kamalala
on
November 18, 2014 20:54
Overzealous police Officers if any, are a rare breed on Phuket, misinformed received conflicting information or exceeding their authority id believe, if we could get these two overzealous officers on to the tuk tuk illegal parking the public would be highly obliged
Posted by
slickmelb
on
November 18, 2014 22:05
Sawasdee Khap When my wife and I with our health backs have no chairs and sun umbrellas this year, we give our 5,000 holiday money in a different country from next year. and that's not just our opinion. I think next year, much less tourists to Thailand. Very sad !Burma, Bali, Vietnam, Malaysia, looking forward in the next year on strong additional numbers in Tourimus. Much will not come back.
Posted by
Chang
on
November 18, 2014 23:11
I was on holiday in Patong last year. I thought Patong beach was a disgrace, the number of sun loungers, touts, para sailers, jest ski ruined the beach. We visited Karon and Kata Noi beach and thought Kata Noi was the best. It had loungers etc but not nearly as many as Patong. An acceptable number. We are travelling back in a few weeks, we have 10 days in Katathania resort and would have liked a lounger on the beach, if none for hire I hope we can purchase and use on the beach. Looking forward to my holiday and also 10 days in Patong.
Posted by
Graham
on
November 19, 2014 00:42
I think people here are confused about what is banned.
Private Enterprise is banned ON the Beach, so that means anyone who makes a profit from a beach.
Bringing your own things are for private use and not for making a profit or business.
Simple isn't it.
Posted by
Tbs
on
November 19, 2014 03:36
So Vice Governor Jamleran says it's OK to bring umbrellas to the beach. Meanwhile Vice Governor Chamroen is quoted as saying it is banned to bring umbrellas (???)
Talk about one hand not knowing what the other is doing.
Posted by
Hugh Jarse
on
November 19, 2014 06:48
I am a tourist who attends Thailadia for over 20 years, and I do not understand this confusion, all orders emanate authorities often conflicting and no one enforces them, but in reality those in power in Thailand? The government, governors, mayors, police, the army or the first officer who arrives on the spot? In every country of the world all that is not expressly prohibited by written laws, is permitted.
Posted by
Spintrie
on
November 19, 2014 07:42
Editor Comment:
Indeed. We will be seeking the wording of the law today that rumor says allegedly prohibits tourists from taking umbrellas to Phuket's beaches.
What a bunch of brain dead officials and police to stop tourists bringing their own umbrella for shade!! These people could not organise a childs birthday party! I look forward to the tourist figures for next high season which i predict will be down by 50%
Posted by
Mr Wolf
on
November 19, 2014 08:08
Editor Comment:
Unlikely. There are only a few thousand sunbed addicts.
Phuket Gazette today wrote that private umbrella/chairs are NOT allowed. (information vice governor)
Is it now YES or No?
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 19, 2014 11:07
Editor Comment:
There is no law preventing anyone from bringing their own umbrella and/or sunbed to any Phuket beach, full stop. We have checked it and rechecked it. We call for the production of the law on which the PG story is based.
The solution is simple- rent a parasail (which IS allowed to operate from the beach) and get towed behind it all day with your brolly to shade you.
Alternatively hire one of those lovely jetskis and ride around in the shade to your heart's content.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
November 19, 2014 11:48
Whatever the law says, often has little or no relevance to what actually happens.
As my Thai Police officer neighbor so eloquently put it - " I AM THE LAW ! "
Posted by
Herbert
on
November 19, 2014 11:58
"We call for the production of the law on which the PG story is based."
Who are you calling on? The PG story is based on the word of the vice governor and the mayor, who has sent officers onto Patong beach to tell holidaymakers they cannot bring their own umbrellas
That's the law around these parts.
Posted by
phonus
on
November 19, 2014 12:36
Editor Comment:
PW has spoken to both vice governor and the mayor today and we are telling you that our story is absolutely correct. There is no law preventing tourists bringing their own umbrellas.
Perhaps there is no law against using own umbrellas on the beach, but since local regulations are enforced, beach goers can't use umbrellas. Right?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 19, 2014 12:51
Editor Comment:
There is no law and no local regulation preventing tourists from using their own beach umbrellas. I am not sure how often we need to say it.
Whatever report from PW and PG is accurate about Vice Governor Jamleran's statement, we will know following local TV news. However, today I will go to the beach with my chair and umbrella, glad to be arrested when I will refuse to remove them. Let's see how the system will work when I will have to face the Court.
Posted by
paul
on
November 19, 2014 13:16
Editor Comment:
You will not be arrested because you will not be breaking and law or local regulation. There can be no charge because there is nothing to stop you doing it. The vice governor and the mayor of Patong say so. Please send us some photos.
Allowed or not allowed?. That is the question as 2 vice governors at the same day are contradictive in their statements.
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 19, 2014 15:08
Editor Comment:
Same vice governor, different spellings and only one believable account. There is no law, rule or regulation prohibiting tourists from bringing their own umbrellas and/or sunbeds.
However according to the vice governor and PG, there is a ban on tourists bringing their own umbrellas to the beach.
Could be interesting to know what a ban is.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 19, 2014 15:37
Editor Comment:
That report is not correct. As we keep saying, there is no law to prevent a toursit from bringing a beach umbrella
I am from Europe, and in Europe we have on all beaches sunbeds and umbrellas. In some countries it managed by the government in some ii is a privat business. My wife and I came for more as 25 years to Thailand and do not unterstand why the government banned the chairs/umbrellas. A lot of older people come to Thailand and they can not lay on the ground and in the unproteced sun! For the most people it is a basic that you can get a sunbed/umbrella on the beach. When I read the reaction of this meassure in Europe a lot of people say they will never go again to vacation to Thailand. I think at the moment Thailand is loosing his good reputation in Europe!!
Posted by
Reiner
on
November 19, 2014 19:04
Editor Comment:
Thailand is more likely to be a she than a he, with a fetching smile. The people who stop coming to Thailand because they can no longer be layabouts don't really know Thailand at all. This is not about money.
Surin beach has a different atmosphere now that people have space to play frisbee, volleyball, kids running around etc.
Posted by
geoff
on
November 19, 2014 19:20
It is not the way I want to do vacation!
Runing through the city from the hotel to the beach with 2 sunbeds and 2 umbrellas on my back. I spend a lot of money to have vacation in Thailand and I expect some comfort!
Posted by
Reiner
on
November 19, 2014 19:28
Reiner, if the priority are sunbeds, what about then having vacation in winter in Egypt or Tunisia, and in summer in Turkey?
Posted by
Sue
on
November 19, 2014 20:28
It is always the question what you want and for what you spend your time and money. I lerned that you have to asked the customers/tourist (that are the people that pay), what the want and not the other way around! There are a lot of alternative and all countries need money to get his citizen a better live!
Posted by
Reiner
on
November 19, 2014 20:56
Editor Comment:
Thanks for that, Reiner. The difficulty is, many people in developing countries do not want to stay in the 20th century forever. You may have to find a way to send yourself back through time for your holidays. Try tuning in ''Colonial Era.'' Now that might really suit you.
Hey Reiner,
I would like to come to your country and lay on a bed on the public area outside your home.
I will rent it from someone who lives in the next village.
But it will all be OK because I spend money in your country and I would like some comfort
How do you feel about that comparison?
Posted by
Hugh Jarse
on
November 19, 2014 21:29
In my country it is absolutly no problem to rent a sunbed! But the discussion is going away from the topic and loose also some level
Posted by
Reiner
on
November 19, 2014 21:56
Editor Comment:
In your country, it's ok. In Thailand, what's best for Thailand is the first priority.
If there are fewer tourists, the beach chairs are quickly back. Guaranteed!
Posted by
Heiner
on
November 19, 2014 23:44
Riener
I never seen any sun loungers on the beaches in gower in wales (although not likely to get sunburnt in wales)
http://www.explore-gower.co.uk/explore/gower-beaches
That link shows there add campaign we have beaches covered in sand not sunloungers
all local expat residents and local visitors I know all favour the new style of beaches they are beautiful again. Cant imagine the type of people wanting them back
Posted by
Michael
on
November 20, 2014 00:18
Editor how I can send you photo?
Posted by
augusto
on
November 20, 2014 07:33
Editor Comment:
by email to editor@phuketwan.com
As long as jet sky + parasail business is allowed on the Phuket beaches ( allowed by who?), that long the Phuket beaches are not yet back to their 'natural state'. In contrary, the present situation is giving hope to beach vendors (umbrella + beach chair people) to come back bit by bit.
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 20, 2014 09:32
If the loungers and umbrellas are only wanted by a few people, how come each year during high season almost every chair is being rented, every day?
Posted by
Endless Summer
on
November 20, 2014 21:15
Editor Comment:
Everybody wants a sunbed but the sunbeds are run for private profit on public beaches, ES. That's why Thailand is claiming the beaches back. Given a year or two more, and some bright ideas person would be suggesting that boardwalks could be built to stretch the area for sunbeds out over the sea. This is a 20th century concept, for lotus-eating layabouts. And no thoughtful person would suggest that because it's something people like doing, there should be more of it. Fortunately, the present plan is to keep all sunbeds off all beaches. We hope sanity prevails.
There may be thousands sunbed addicts. Thank God there is only one insult addict, i.e. editor of phuketwan. Is he modern? Yes a modern colonial.
Posted by
Marnix
on
November 21, 2014 07:10
Editor Comment:
You sound like a lotus-eating layabout, Marnix. That's not intended as an insult, just as an accurate, light-hearted description. At Phuketwan we ignore rumors and get our facts straight.
So Alan you really think Thailand has arrived in the 21. century with this beach concept but Spain an Greece have not?
Posted by
Georg The Viking
on
November 21, 2014 07:58
Editor Comment:
Any beaches in Spain and Greece covered in sunbeds are not world-class beaches.
You are right Alan.
And you think Phuket beaches are world class now when the sunbeds are removed?
No misunderstanding, I too love a beach more without crap on it.
But even without umbrellas and without jetskis I cannot see a single world class beach here.
Yes, some could be pretty if maintained.
Posted by
Georg The Viking
on
November 21, 2014 09:31
(moderated)
Posted by
Guenter Bellach
on
November 22, 2014 17:53
Editor Comment:
We don't accept challenges from readers, Guenter. Just a couple of days ago, two Phuketwan reporters called all of the key officials mentioned in the article and they confirmed that anyone is entitled to bring their own personal beach umbrella to Patong or any other Phuket beach. We checked and we double-checked. There is no law against it. The Phuket News did its own checks and came to the same conclusion. One of its reporters even went to Patong and planted an umbrella there, for the cameras. It may well be that the Governor has now intervened. It also may be that the source you mention has erred yet again. But sorry, we aren't going to suddenly jump because you tell us to jump. If the law has been changed and bringing umbrellas is now illegal, we'd expect an official announcement.
So basically residents can pop down to the beach anytime with an umbrella and sunbed but tourists have to either carry them into the country with them or buy them here (as renting is forbidden) and then fly back to their country with them.
Basically the previous renters could theoretically sell sunbeds and umbrellas for 3000 bht with the understanding they will buy them back at 2700 bht at the end of the day but of course if there is any damage then they could threaten and extort more money from the tourists.
Have I heard this before?
Alan, you are so right. If you allowed a few sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach then everyone would want one. Totally unacceptable. Why cater to peoples desires. Much better to have kids playing frisbee and volley ball and running around. Who cares what the tourists want, it's what we want that matters.
Posted by
chill
on
November 23, 2014 04:07
Editor Comment:
The problem has been created over two decades so expecting an overnight solution would be foolish. The military decided to put an end to the private profit-taking from the public beaches, as a matter of principle. But it may take a high season or two before the sunbed layabouts learn how to frisbee. There is no doubt the decision puts Phuket in step with Phang Nga and Krabi and gives Phuket a new lease of life. Chinese tourists especially seem to enjoy a quick paddle and a walk along the beaches. It's the same with many visitors from other parts of Thailand and the region. They are Phuket's future.
as you can see only a few bring umbrellas the big yellow and red one is for lifesavers who patrol the beach
Posted by
bondi
on
November 23, 2014 05:32
Today at Nai Harn beach I estimate that half the people had an umbrella. Most of them were bought, they are for sale at the small local shops there.
Posted by
stevenl
on
November 23, 2014 16:08
Editor Comment:
Wish we'd been there. Nai Harn is probably the best of the popular beaches, on the right day. So much for the ''brolly ban.''
As a visitor to Thailand for 20 or more years, I would definitely NOT come back unless umbrellas and loungers provided.Surely all are aware of the malignant skin cancer rate!! Stupid to think 60+ year old would consider buying and carrying around their own..Easier to holiday elsewhere!!!
Posted by
Ethne
on
November 24, 2014 01:22
Editor Comment:
Sunbeds actually contribute to the skin cancer rate by giving people a comfortable place to lie on. Have you not seen these people on Phuket's beaches in past years, exposing themselves to the full rays on the sun, day in, day out? The absence of sunbeds means less comfort, so the likelihood of cancer has been reduced. Visitors can, of course, bring their own umbrellas. Encouraging people to wear hats and indulge in other beach activities, not tanning, actually is a move to aid the fight against cancer for those people who think being skin-darkened by the sun makes them more attractive. There are still plenty of sunbeds by resort swimming pools.
We have booked to visit Karon for 3 weeks
in December- we have just noticed this ban on sunbeds and umbrellas.Big mistake! If I could cancel my holiday I would. People come to Phuket to sit on the beach,sunbathe and relax. No umbrellas = Skin cancer = We will go somewhere more civilized next year..Bye
Posted by
Martyn
on
November 24, 2014 07:34
Editor Comment:
Funny how suddenly all the best, most natural beaches in the world are ''uncivilised.'' If you are coming to sunbathe, then clearly not having sunbeds at Karon will save you from exposing yourself to skin cancer. Lotus-eating layabouts? Who needs 'em.
Lotus eating layabouts-who needs em?. er... you do actually. See next years bookings-No more tourists, no more spendy baht. The umbrellas protect you from the suns UV rays-not a lot to ask for.Sorry to sound so 'civilized' I guess you do not spend any time on the beach? laying about....
Posted by
Martyn
on
November 25, 2014 00:25
Editor Comment:
The beach at Patong is now a world class public beach, Martyn, with people walking and a genuine sense of vitality. Not too many people complaining about the absence of sunbeds..
Der Mr Ed! Not many that complains? Why would you then defending it? All the people I meet every day is complaining. The beach is open for everyone, both Thai and tourist, but obviously not for old people and family with small children. Yes, right now, the problem is not so big when it's cloudy, but what about when it turns January and February when you hardly can find any shadow!?! How can you banned something that protect you from the sun and skincancer but allow jet ski that is noisy, dangerous and bad for the envoirement?
Patong=world class beach? Will never happend! If you're in the water and look at patong beach, with jet ski, parasailing-trying to kill you- and see all the ugly buildings, this is not giving you the feeling of paradise. Take all the buildings and hotels down and plant some more trees, then it would be a would class beach. And don't forget that also like comfort and shadow. If you'll do some research about what other countries is writing about this problem, you will see how big it is!
Regards
Klaw
Posted by
Klaw
on
November 26, 2014 21:55
Editor Comment:
World class public beach . . . Patong beach is much better without the sunbeds. The beach looks just fine to everyone except those who must have sunbeds and the money-makers who exploit the private use of public space.
I am not happy with the new regulation.
If this stay I will travel to other conntrys.
if I think about surin Beach Mr.Karasek has a perfect service for the tourist and all this is gone,I will go to.
Even to romove Palmtrees is rediculous.
Posted by
lukits
on
December 23, 2014 00:29
Geday just been reading all the comments and responses from the editor ,some very arrogant comments editor , I've been comeing to phucet for 7 years in a row. I'm from Australia and know what beaches are like world class . With no jet skis and parasailing it makes for a very safe environment. However my attraction to phuket is the fact I could get a sunbed /unberella and enjoy a beer at the beach watching the world go by. If I can't do that any more so be it. But I'm not happy about it and really didn't like the editors smug remarks. Rember phucket is a tourist province.
Posted by
Stevo
on
January 8, 2015 10:54
Editor Comment:
I remember, Stevo. Now go down to your local beach and enjoy it - or start a petition to your local newspaper, demanding to have sunbeds and umbrellas just the way they did once on Phuket. Then you will be happy staying where you are, and Phuket will probably be better off, too. This is not about your comfort but about the principle of public space being for the public, not for private profit. As you know your beaches are world class, perhaps you should start appreciating them. Anyone who spells Phuket with a ''ck'' isn't wanted here. Seven trips, and you can't even get the spelling right.
My husband and I have been visiting (all over Thailand) for 27 years now. Phuket and Patong was the first place in the south that we visited. We have stopped coming here because I agree that Patong beach, once beautiful, had turned into a nightmare with all the chairs and umbrellas - and motor activity - although I think the chair/umbrella business could be regulated in a better way. We often go to Lanta, and there you hardly see any sunbeds, and that's not a problem. But what surprises me above all in the Editors Comments, is why you won't say anything about all the motorised activity, which, after all, is destroying the beach much more than the chairs, besides being dangerous? Is it because you like this?
Posted by
Viski
on
February 1, 2015 21:42
Editor Comment:
You should tske your time to do some research, Viski. We fsvor a total ban on jet-skis and parasails in line with Krabi and Phang Nga and have said so repeatedly. Please do a search on Phuketwan for 'jet-skis' and catch up.
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There is no reason why resorts cannot stock & supply their guests with mats, chairs or umbrellas. Many already supply umbrellas for the rainy season. Whether they do that free & gratis or charge is up to the resort.
Posted by Logic on November 18, 2014 12:55