PHUKET: The future of all beach clubs and restaurants on the foreshore at Phuket's Surin beach is likely to be decided at an emergency meeting called by Phuket authorities for this afternoon.
Despite massive clearances along the shore, pressure has continued for ALL structures to be removed, not just those on the seaward side of a path that runs the length of the beachfront.
Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada will be told by local mayor Samran Ma-Ann at today's meeting that removing the remaining ''legitimate'' beach clubs and restaurants could prove difficult.
It is believed that the military coup command that took charge of running Thailand on May 22 has continued to question why private businesses are still operating along the Surin foreshore.
All the beach clubs and restaurants at Surin remain on public land, part of a park that was created after a nine-hole royal golf course fell into disuse decades ago.
Leases for a string of rough shack bars along the beach - built with the approval of the local council - have been transferred since the 2004 tsunami by locals into the hands of entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurs have since built big-money beachside businesses and given Surin the reputation of being Phuket's after-dark party destination.
But the military appears to be working on 20th century maps of the region that deem the beach and the surrounding area to be entirely public parkland.
The local council has erected a large football field and stadium at the southern end of the land behind the beach, but officials say this was always council land.
Cherng Talay district mayor Ma-Ann is likely to face pressure at Phuket Provincial Hall from Vice Governor Jamleran this afternoon to explain the legitimacy of the restaurants and beach clubs.
So far, he has pursued the coup command's edict to clear the beachfronts in his district. Umbrella loungers and vendors are now banned from Surin beach.
''We will check the beach every day to keep it clear and natural,'' he said. ''It would certainly help if the Phuket Provincial administration gave us more support on this issue.''
Mayor Ma-Ann said Layan beach will be cleared of 11 businesses by early next month, and that compulsory destruction will follow for 36 businesses at Laypang (northern Bang Tao) and more than 70 businesses at Bang Tao.
Mayor Ma-Ann is already facing agitation from local stallholders whose businesses have been cleared from the carpark at Surin.
Beach masseuses are also pressing for alternative accommodation.
When tourists begin returning in numbers for Phuket's high season from November, those who have rented beach lounges for years at Surin and other spots along the west coast are unlikely to adapt quickly to sitting on towels.
Action has already been taken to clear Kamala beach and Patong is thought to be likely to face a similar edict.
Despite massive clearances along the shore, pressure has continued for ALL structures to be removed, not just those on the seaward side of a path that runs the length of the beachfront.
Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada will be told by local mayor Samran Ma-Ann at today's meeting that removing the remaining ''legitimate'' beach clubs and restaurants could prove difficult.
It is believed that the military coup command that took charge of running Thailand on May 22 has continued to question why private businesses are still operating along the Surin foreshore.
All the beach clubs and restaurants at Surin remain on public land, part of a park that was created after a nine-hole royal golf course fell into disuse decades ago.
Leases for a string of rough shack bars along the beach - built with the approval of the local council - have been transferred since the 2004 tsunami by locals into the hands of entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurs have since built big-money beachside businesses and given Surin the reputation of being Phuket's after-dark party destination.
But the military appears to be working on 20th century maps of the region that deem the beach and the surrounding area to be entirely public parkland.
The local council has erected a large football field and stadium at the southern end of the land behind the beach, but officials say this was always council land.
Cherng Talay district mayor Ma-Ann is likely to face pressure at Phuket Provincial Hall from Vice Governor Jamleran this afternoon to explain the legitimacy of the restaurants and beach clubs.
So far, he has pursued the coup command's edict to clear the beachfronts in his district. Umbrella loungers and vendors are now banned from Surin beach.
''We will check the beach every day to keep it clear and natural,'' he said. ''It would certainly help if the Phuket Provincial administration gave us more support on this issue.''
Mayor Ma-Ann said Layan beach will be cleared of 11 businesses by early next month, and that compulsory destruction will follow for 36 businesses at Laypang (northern Bang Tao) and more than 70 businesses at Bang Tao.
Mayor Ma-Ann is already facing agitation from local stallholders whose businesses have been cleared from the carpark at Surin.
Beach masseuses are also pressing for alternative accommodation.
When tourists begin returning in numbers for Phuket's high season from November, those who have rented beach lounges for years at Surin and other spots along the west coast are unlikely to adapt quickly to sitting on towels.
Action has already been taken to clear Kamala beach and Patong is thought to be likely to face a similar edict.
If theres going to be a rule it has to be a rule for all, either clear business off all land that isnt allowed business use, or its simply favoritism and opens the door to yet more paying for the right to break the rules.
If the local governance decides it wants the land to be open for commercial use, then legally reclassify the land to the correct title to do so. Stop operating everything 'thai style' where its simply agreed to overlook rules that are found inconvenient. Do it right and set it in stone.
Posted by LivinLOS on June 26, 2014 12:51