Click a thumbnail to view more photographs
Phuket Battles Bring 1000 to Meeting
By Chutima Sidasathian Sunday, August 10, 2014
PHUKET: The battle for control of Thailand's public beaches rolled on today as more than 1000 people gathered on Phuket to push for a return to umbrellas, sunbeds and commercial action.
A leader of the group, Palad Janpokin, said a smaller group would meet next Friday. He hoped to meet with General Prayuth Chan-ocha within the next month.
Among today's large crowd were tuk-tuk drivers and others aggrieved by changes on Phuket including beach vendors, who have been questioning visitors to Patong about what they want.
Unsurprisingly, tourists questioned at the beach by the operators produced a result in favor of sunbeds and umbrellas.
This contrasts with the more independent poll in a Phuket newspaper over the past month in which 82 percent of tourists-visitors voted in favor of cleared beaches.
Phuketwan could find no representatives from the Phuket administration or the National Council for Peace and Order at the meeting in an auditorium at Phuket's Prince of Songkhla University.
The huge turnout is an indication of concerns about the loss of jobs on the beaches and a sense that some people are being unfairly targetted while others have so far escaped attention.
A Karon tuk-tuk driver questioned why authorities were paying close attention to taxi and tuk-tuk drivers when there had been no crackdown so far on the opening hours of nightclubs or resorts along Phuket's shorefront.
Representatives came from beaches at Nai Harn, Ya Nui, Rawai, Kata-Karon, Laem Singh, Patong, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Laypang, Laguna, Layan, Nai Yang and Nai Thon.
Masseuses, jet-ski and parasailers, sunbed and umbrellas, taxis and tuk-tuks, longtails and beach vendors were all represented in groups.
The meeting agreed to establish the Business Servicing Phuket Tourism Association and to seek registration.
People joined up by submitting their IDs and former jobs.
Many of the speakers hoped to get an indication of whether they will be able to return to Phuket's beaches this high season or not.
Other agreed they had broken the letter of the law, but their work was honest. Some said they would restrict sunbeds to one or two rows in future, if they were allowed to operate again.
''Why isn't the NCPO chasing the big businesspeople?'' one speaker asked.
A green-plate taxi driver said: ''Pegas buses park in public spaces. Why can't we?''
One speaker who drew applause said: ''This is our life now. Before we were farmers or tin miners or worked in rubber plantations.
''When the tourists came, we served the tourists. And we have tried to do our best at that.''
|
Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
The fightback begins - clearly they dont fear the army anymore. This could get interesting.
Posted by
Ciaran
on
August 10, 2014 11:19
It seems logical that some "regulated" commercial enterprises should be allowed but not the unregulated mess that the beaches had become which took away from the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
Posted by
Spencer M.
on
August 10, 2014 11:28
It s really hard to summerize a meeting I guess.
But I think Thai people should understand that if the beaches are the more beautiful, they will attract more Tourist...and more money...
How many businesses are for sale or rent , or run 3 years max ?!
Posted by
Vermor
on
August 10, 2014 11:29
So once again mob rules come into play. How weak and childlike are the new changes. All those who said within one month will return to its former cesspool habits, were right. I am not cynical, I only watch.
Posted by
Graham
on
August 10, 2014 11:30
Editor Comment:
A peaceful gathering is a ''mob''? You've been reading a particular Phuket newspaper for too long, Graham. It's called a ''meeting.'' The only cesspools are in your mind.
These protesters have allegedly been robbing tourist's blind over the last decade and now are crying wolf. If the arrangements for beach tourist facilities had been done legally in the first place they'd have something to complain about but not now.
Posted by
seht1912
on
August 10, 2014 11:33
'Phuketwan could find no representatives from the Phuket administration or the National Council for Peace and Order at the meeting in an auditorium at Phuket's Prince of Songkhla University.' The usual big PR show then.
Posted by
jonty
on
August 10, 2014 11:53
Whether or not the authorities give up on beach encroachment be sure the mafias problem will rise like in Bali : it is linked to narcotics, inequality and there are plenty in Phang Nga and Phuket. Giving up on the beach issue will not cancel the mafia problem. We should focus on preserving the natural beauty of the beaches and allow mobile small vendors, while forbidding all illegal occupation from sunbeds to restaurants. An authority under the ministry of defence could succeed. In some European countries sunbeds etc. were allowed up to 30 % of the beach space. But in its large majority the public opinions have always been against this privatisation of the beaches, as show polls when they are available. Now if laws try to decrease private occupation of businesses from 30% down to 20% mainly the vendors but also sometimes the local authorities try to oppose change, saying they need the money. NEVER any occupation should have been allowed, especially on beaches originally beautiful, in the end we are all losing !
Posted by
Phuket is special
on
August 10, 2014 12:17
The reason the tuk tuks and taxis are targeted if that half a brain driver hasn't realized yet is because they have ripped off and held hostage the people of phuket and tourists for way too long already.... enough is enough.... get rid of the yuk yuk and taxi gangsters.
Posted by
DG
on
August 10, 2014 13:04
I'm on Karon three months each year from January to March. Daily I am at the beach 5-6 hrs. I am one of those who will miss sunbeds and umbrellas. I'm glad cleanup both on the beach and or phuket, but hope they will allow some sunbeds and umbrellas.
Posted by
Thai tourism
on
August 10, 2014 13:09
In a democracy such a big protest will be interesting to political parties, so either an exiting party will make it a point to take the beaches back for Phuket people and businesses to accommodate their wishes (get their votes) or a new party will be formed that will represent this group. Political parties love to please voters or groups of voters this will just be another opportunity in line with f.ex. artificially low prices on LPG, diesel, cooking gas , cooking oil and electricity for certain consumers.
Posted by
Sailor
on
August 10, 2014 13:38
Hail the military government, this is not a democracy anymore so numbers don't count, only the law and good judgement. And by the way speaking of numbers what is 1000? Who counted them? and did they register? or are they the cousins & neighbours of the outlaws? 1000 could be a majority but in reality and sustained by the poll statistics provided by PW it is nothing but a minority.I find it great that the peoples can express themselves especially in a peaceful manner but they should better attend the taxi meter registration that run until next week, a good way to invest in their future. Lastly I must claim (no factual support) that if you ask for id's only a few if any at all are actual locals, and by so I mean a family born here not individuals. Even worst I doubt they even register address here (damaging the local tax contribution). I think that as a social service the local authorities should provide free interview training and CV writing sessions. After all they are Thai and the local authorities owe them at least a chance to change. We will be busy in high season and could do with extra staff whether they are willing and able.... is up you (them).
Posted by
democrazy
on
August 10, 2014 13:41
A Karon tuk-tuk driver questioned why authorities were paying close attention to taxi and tuk-tuk drivers when there had been no crackdown so far on the opening hours of nightclubs or resorts along Phuket's shorefront."---- .... opening hours is hardly a threat to tourism.... it gives tourist what they want... the issues surrounding tuk tuks is NOT what tourists wants or need...
Posted by
Frog
on
August 10, 2014 13:58
Beached cleared , taxi meter with same fare as Bangkok , no more dangerous and scamming jet ski , this is what 80% of people want. Hope army will not give up and continue to clean and restore definitely Phuket beauty and safety.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
August 10, 2014 14:20
''When the tourists came, we served the tourists. And we have tried to do our best at that.''
you mean you have scammed the tourists
Posted by
sky
on
August 10, 2014 15:42
Editor Comment:
How does a masseuse scam a tourist? How have the beach vendors scammed the tourists? You are just showing your bias. Put it away, please. If you wish to gloat, go down to Patong beach and start up a conversation.
@Spencer wise words and agree alas past experience indicates the word regulate
is not in the Thai dictionary give them one inch means take 1 Mile they will be back to there unregulated uncontrolled commercialism for a quick baht without a hoot for environment sanitation ambience eye sores and dubious business practices in a very short time.
Posted by
slickmelb
on
August 10, 2014 15:58
Yes they served us so we'll , 90 baht for a beer on Karon beach 100 baht for one old plastic chair and if you put your bag on the other chair one hundred Baht for that chair as we'll Falang .
Drive to Kata and try to park in the old days . Tuk tuk only Farang , leave your car there big problem . Sorry but that is not really the land of smiles is it . There are hundreds of jobs in hotels on this island if not thousands of jobs . Time to move on .
Posted by
Tony Lenny
on
August 10, 2014 16:26
Let them declare their past earnings & pay their taxes; then they might have a right to speak out.
One excellent example is the beach massage ladies - they have no overheads such as rent, electricity, water, etc. They are unfair competition to those who try to run their businesses in premises that often stand empty.
Posted by
Logic
on
August 10, 2014 16:54
Why not do the obvious? Return to your home provinces up north and live off the land? Plenty of opportunities, but I guess it's easier to earn 40-50K pr. month on Phuket "servicing" the stupid tourists. We don't need that, thank you. Move on, there's a new sheriff in town, his name is Lung Prayuth!
Posted by
Wilai
on
August 10, 2014 19:55
Here we go again intimidation tactics from the same old people that have been intimidating the tourists ,locals and officials for decades ignore them and enforce the generals rulings regarding these people and the way the beaches and taxis should be run as of now not as it was in the past
Posted by
Scunner
on
August 10, 2014 21:20
Bring back 2 rows of sunbeds, run by the government. Employ some workers @ 300-500 baht per day. Government money goes back into the system to keep the life guards and beaches clean.
Posted by
Tbs
on
August 10, 2014 22:32
Wilai, you have put your prejudice on full display. The people who work on the beaches and as taxi drivers are primarily from the southern region. The northerners who you indirectly insult primarily work in the fixed structure tourism sector. They are younger and rely on many of the hotels to provide access to housing and meals, otherwise they would be unable to live on Phuket. You are also ignorant of the characteristics of the agrarian economy in the north when you command the "northerners" to go and live off the land. Many of the Issan people recruited to work in Phuket come from subsistence tenant farmer backgrounds in regions that only allow for 1 or 2 crop harvests a year. The reality which you ignore is that the south does not have an industrial base as does the central region. Southerners in the Phuket region have seen the rubber industry shed jobs and the tin mines disappear. The key southern region employers are tourism, government and general services. Apparently you are oblivious to the "clan" characteristic of Phuket's tuk tuks and taxis. The drivers come from extended families or from the local villages. Northerners for the most part have a distinct social barrier that prevents them from accessing the tuk tuk/taxi business. Northerners who find jobs as drivers typically do so as bus drivers or as resort associated car drivers. "Outsiders" are not welcome. In case you missed it, the transport sector workers are an important part of the local political machine and turn out the vote. Non Phuket residents cannot vote and therefore do not enjoy the "patronage" related benefits associated with the local political groups. This is why corruption is so deep rooted.
Posted by
Ryan
on
August 11, 2014 00:48
Really.I agree that the people directly doing business to support families and paying relevant taxes should be able to continue business.But I know so far hardly any of them have paid tax to governement because the "middle hand" have taken the money! Middle man ? Yeh the rich people of Thailand!
Posted by
Margita Aberg Palosvirta
on
August 11, 2014 02:31
I LOVE the 'new' beaches. Please do not let them revert back!! And given some time, the nicer beaches will produce more jobs due to increased tourism.....just not beach jobs.
Posted by
Nobama
on
August 11, 2014 08:42
'We have tried to our best' Yeah right. Time to go back to farm, boys. The games' up.
Posted by
agogohome
on
August 11, 2014 09:49
"Yes I'm working illegaly but I'm honest" Why do I always here this? Why should it matter? Weird. It's like a dry dealer claiming "well I gave the customers the amount of meth he asked for, so I didn't cheat him. so I'm an honest criminal, and should get leniancy". Tax avoidance is a crime in Thailand by the way.
Posted by
christian
on
August 11, 2014 11:08
We are saddened by the changes in Phuket, the beach vendors, Tuk-Tuk's, sunbeds and little beach side restaurants made our holidays perfect. We met amazing people running these small business, made great friendships and were looked after with the highest respect and hospitality. Sad to say we now plan holidays at other destinations because of these changes.
Mick From Australia
Posted by
Mick
on
August 11, 2014 12:21
@Ryan: Thanks for the lecture. I understand you've entered the Rabbit Hole of LOS, i.e. trying to understand the stupidity and madness here? I prefer to stay away from that so as to keep my sanity. I really don't care if they are from the north, south, east or the moon, they just need to change their habbits and be creative finding something else to do. Game's over in Phuket.
Posted by
Wilai
on
August 11, 2014 14:17
I don't care about those taxis or what they want the faster metered taxis come online the better the days of extortion are over if these people are looking for sympathy they are out of luck..Im on patong beach now and I notice massive lines of tuk tuks still taking all the parks and pegas only has a few buses and only part for short amounts of time they do not monopolise all public parking so no one else can use them like these tuk tuks sorry no sympathy from me at all.
Posted by
Andrew Ronayne
on
August 11, 2014 14:41
pete
Thanks for the clarification, evasion is what I meant. And it applies in this case. They didn't cleverly plan according to the tax code (moderated).
Posted by
christian
on
August 11, 2014 16:26
Editor Comment:
Just who is ''they'' and are you sure your accusation is correct, christian? To accuse people of tax evasion - if they've actually paid tax - would be libelous. How do you know the individual tax affairs of these 1000 people?
I see Mick from Australia is not coming back . Bye bye Mick .Phuket is getting its natural beauty back and most people are happy
Posted by
Tony kenny
on
August 11, 2014 16:34
there is no business in the world for ever !!! when you work on the beach not mean that that is for 100 year
when you have job in europe by big company and the company close you loos job sorry for the people but everybody has too look for his own future and income not the government
Posted by
donaldo
on
August 11, 2014 20:13
@ed you are living in another world if you believe these people declare their income and pays tax on it.
Don't be so naive
Posted by
ciaran
on
August 11, 2014 20:49
Editor Comment:
What I'm saying, ciaran, is that to accuse people of breaking the law you need evidence. Believing something is true is not sufficient, You are getting into lynch mob territory again - or perhaps you never left it.
The Tuk Tuk's will always be around because they pay to be around, they do not care about law and order or offering a decent service to customers. I never use them because of their crap attitude towards everyone. The police were useless in controlling them. I hope the Army cleans them out once and for all as they are the problem on the beaches.
Posted by
Tez
on
August 12, 2014 00:04
At the same time another islands destination - British Virgin Islands on 18th of August having 3 days event "Taxi Academy Workshop" , where only certified(sic!) professional taxi drivers are allowed.
So not only cars are certified, but drivers too.
BVI is certainly destination that attracts "quality tourist".
Phuket could follow a suit and licence drivers too.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 12, 2014 00:37
@Sue:
I don't know where you get your information from as there are no taxis on BVI. All 'taxis' are of the safari open bus type, seating around 20 passengers.
On Tortola there are only around 65 miles of narrow, rutted roads apart from the road over the new bridge from the airport on Beef Island. Although they drive on the left the few cars on the island are all left hand drive which makes driving somewhat difficult. Around 80% of 'the quality tourists' are American cruise line passengers. Perhaps you're thinking of the much larger US Virgin Islands where tourism is the main activity and real taxis ply the roads.
Posted by
Pete
on
August 12, 2014 07:15
@Pete
Good morning!
And where I told there are taxis on BVI?
...
About quality tourists I afraid you are plainly wrong, although there are day tourists from cruise ships off Tortola, the main tourist sector is expensive high-end, although , yes, Tortola have few number cheaper accommodation - less so on Virgin Gorda, and islets, and that accommodation.
As well I afraid as you're noticing on BVI only cruise day trippers you are looking through lenses of mass tourism, as USVI, incl.St.John.
Yes, because of limitations of Beef is.airport, there are only short-haul planes serving the destination , so it put extra burden to get there - and at the same time underlying an attraction of the place , as it means if people get there , then they really want to.
I myself have been number of times to BVI and never driven the kind of song-takes you described.
But the main line was that taxi on BVI are well regulated as they certify drivers, as they certify drivers , not only vehicles, and promote quality service.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 12, 2014 08:00
@Pete
Oops , my first sentence sure ot to be read as "NO taxi"; sorry NLP omission of negation, but didn't mean to code you.
Overall there are no or very few cheapies as tourists on BVI, so those taxis that they have obviously serve a clientele well , and regular workshops by authorities seems to maintain a good level.
On BVI, in particular off Tortola , like on Virgin Gorda locals locals radiating out a positive attitude and laid-back attitude , to some part reminiscent of Thais - that is quite rare thing in Carribean , and the rest of the world - and which is sharp contrast to tired and emitting negative rays in all possible ways USVI folks. The only other place where people surprisingly reminded for me Thais, although being optically quite distinct to,is Vanuatu , which on this scale are even above BVI, don't know any other destination to qualify for this.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 12, 2014 08:42
@Sue:
'And where I told there are taxis on BVI?' Here: 'only certified(sic!) professional taxi drivers are allowed'. If you haven't seen the 'taxis' Google 'Tortola taxis'. The bulk of tourists (apart from cruise passengers) are from Guadeloupe and are French speaking, and the US Virgin Islands.
Maybe you would like to communicate with my brother who lives and works on Tortola as director of two of the better hotels on the island. Perhaps you could tell him a thing or two he doesn't already know as he's only been there 22 years.
Posted by
Pete
on
August 12, 2014 09:42
1000 people all family and friends for sure, Tuk tuks are not a safe form of transport, every time I have seen one that has been involved in a accident its the passengers in the rear that are injured not the driver
Posted by
PeterA
on
August 16, 2014 13:11
there is a video presently trending on facebook of a beach 'vendor' kicking a woman off the sand cos she wont pay for a bed. I am not sure what beach, but it is an ugly ugly scene. The woman was halfway between the vendor's bed and the water. Some of these folks really do think they own the beach, yet some of them are the loveliest people one could hope to meet in Thailand.
Posted by
geoff
on
September 6, 2014 18:31
|
The fightback begins - clearly they dont fear the army anymore. This could get interesting.
Posted by Ciaran on August 10, 2014 11:19