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Phuket's Beaches Still Being Sorted
By Prasit Tarnsirisin and Alan Morison Thursday, July 30, 2015
PHUKET: Governor Nisit Jansomwong yesterday called for monthly updates from all Phuket authorities overseeing beaches in an effort to get the major Phuket attractions just right for the high season.
His compromise strategy of giving 10 percent of beaches over to commercial activity is still being tested at all of Phuket's popular west coast destinations.
The plan bars beachgoers from bringing their own umbrellas and beach chairs - a strategy that Phuketwan would prefer because beachlovers go to the seaside to relax, not be subjected to regimentation and needless rules.
While the attitudes of those with commercial interests in Phuket's beaches has been widely canvassed at meeting after meeting, Phuketwan believes the point of view of the tourists - the people who bring the money - has been consistently ignored.
A survey by Prince of Songkhla University, commissioned by the governor, may be the last hope tourists have for limited use of sunbeds to be restored.
All sunbeds were banned from Phuket's beaches in clearances undertaken by the Army and the Navy soon after the military took control of Thailand in May last year.
The clearances also banned all commercial activities, except those of fast-moving vendors on foot who seem to have outpaced authorities at virtually all popular Phuket beaches.
Although the Mayor of Patong said there were no poor beach umbrella renters, Governor Nisit chose to allow umbrellas and mats to be restored at 10 percent of all beaches.
Problems with this regimentation are likely to be exposed as the high season approaches.
While the governor's suggestion could work at some less-popular beaches, Patong is usually covered five rows deep in umbrellas in December-January.
All those umbrellas will not fit in 10 percent of the beach area.
Disgruntled European sunlovers, used to coming to Phuket for years, are likely to reconsider if they are unable to use their beloved sunbeds and umbrellas.
Phuketwan favors the beaches being kept clear as a sign of the holiday island's commitment to nature but is puzzled as to why just 10 percent should be set aside for mats and umbrellas.
Allowing sunlovers to bring their own equipment is a much better concept. Dappling the beaches with umbrellas causes no harm and is not offensive to the eye.
An even greater puzzle is why Phuket still permits scores of jet-skis to operate all along Patong beach - the most popular swimming beach - when the neighboring provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi impose a total ban on the noisy, dangerous and polluting machines.
Yesterday, Governor Nisit told the island's top officials that those in charge of beaches would be required to report on the 20th of each month on progress of his beach strategy.
In effect, that means authorities have August, September and October to get it right before the high season crowds descend.
At least, the crowds usually descend.
Last year's high season was the first without umbrellas and sunbeds for a very long time. The changes were difficult to absorb, especially for veteran sunlovers who are too old or frail to get up easily from low-lying beach mats.
Why are mats ok but sunbeds are not? That question has never been answered.
Sunbeds, incidentally, can still be seen stacked high on the foreshores at some Phuket beaches. Somebody clearly thinks they will be back.
With so much riding on the Prince of Songkhla report, due for release at the next beach ''summit'' on August 20, a lot will be also be riding on the competency of the university's research.
Visiting the beaches in the low season, as Phuketwan has done at Surin, Patong and Kamala, produces no clear indication of what will work come high season.
The governor's strategy relies on beachgoers actually reading the signs, then following his rules.
In October or early November when the first crowded day comes at Patong beach, with jet-skis and swimmers competing for space in the water and the vast majority of sunlovers demanding umbrellas in 10 percent of the space, we will know whether authorities have got it right or not.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
I know it's low season but it is very quiet at Bang Tao Beach resorts. Only 6 people at our resort ! Only my kids in the kids club. I think many had already booked their holidays for last high season so still arrived but took back the real information confirming no beach chairs no umbrellas no eating but beer is fine ! That will have been reported in there newspapers and online. This high season will show the true impact on the tourism dollar.
Posted by
Conquestador
on
July 30, 2015 12:00
Patong beach is dirty and smells of petrol fumes. Every time I swam there in years gone by I got an ear infection. The very last time I swam there it was a joke. I was swimming in what seemed like a murky soup of plastic bags, bottles and other assorted rubbish. I actually remember when the water at Patong was clear enough to see your feet clearly. Those days are gone forever.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
July 30, 2015 12:56
"Allowing sunlovers to bring their own equipment is a much better concept"
It is not. Try and watch an elderly couple carry chairs and umbrellas several km. on the streets of Patong.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
July 30, 2015 14:17
Editor Comment:
Plenty seem to be coping, Sherlock. Lightly built chairs and an umbrella are not heavy. One assumes if they are several kilometres from the beach, they will not walk there anyway.
I know you never print this but as I have said a 100 times before.
(moderated)
Posted by
Tbs
on
July 30, 2015 15:25
Editor Comment:
The kind of change you advocate has never worked in the past. Much better to fix the system.
We stay in an apartment 10 minutes from the beach and although allowing beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach is better than not, I do not agree with the idea of tourists bringing their own. I My husband and I are in our sixties and it is difficult to carry chair umbrella and bag with towel etc.
Posted by
Itsamystery
on
July 30, 2015 15:39
In january of this year there was a couple at Patong Beach of 94 en 91 years old, and I really don't see them bringing their own equipment to the beach.The beach umbrella renters helped them with everything.
Posted by
phet
on
July 30, 2015 16:07
I am retired and have lived in Patong for six years and go to the beach everyday. I filled out the questionnaire the University prepared. It is three pages long and very poorly written. It is unlikely to provide valuable results for their assessment. Perhaps PW can obtain a copy and give your opinion.
The governors desire to have many Chinese is working well.
As much as I like the people who run the jet skis and parachutes, it is much more pleasant and safe without them.
Posted by
Jim in Patong
on
July 30, 2015 16:24
"One assumes if they are several kilometres from the beach, they will not walk there anyway"
Perhaps they are not thrilled of the fact, that alternatively they have spend five hundred bath on a tuk-tuk every day.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
July 30, 2015 17:02
Editor Comment:
Motorcycle taxis are a lot cheaper.
"Have you got everything dear,our motorcycle taxi here. Chairs check,beach mat check,towels check,food and drink(cause there ain't none for sale on the beach)check,walking stick check,bag with sun cream books etc check,handbag check.Do you think we should take the dog dear maybe we will look like a local couple then. The mind boggles.
Posted by
hilton
on
July 30, 2015 17:23
I can see no reason why there cannot be chairs and umbrella's to rent in the 10% sector and also people allowed to bring their own chairs and umbrella's and to sit wherever they wish on the beach.
The beaches are public beaches, they are not privately owned
Posted by
Paul
on
July 30, 2015 19:23
Dont worry there will be no competition between swimmers and jet skis next season as many tourists will not return or come to Phuket if there are no sunbeds and umbrellas. Funny they have to report on the 20th each month about there beaches, he never saw a beach in low season i guess, in low season there is nothing to report and for the high season there will also no report as there will be few tourists in Phuket.
Posted by
Eric
on
July 30, 2015 19:56
"Motorcycle taxis are a lot cheaper"
Good idea to put elderly people carrying chairs and umbrella on a motorcycle taxi.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
July 30, 2015 22:44
Editor Comment:
Go to the beach, Sherlock. You will see elderly people turning up on motorcycles, carrying beach chairs . . .
Ed
What a ridiculous statement - my 80 year old mother (along with most other genuinely "elderly" people) could not even carry a beach chair, let along ride on a motorcycle! What a genuinely idiotic thing to say.
Yes, many people of retirement age could take a motorcycle, but only a tiny, tiny percentage of "elderly" people.
What nonsense.
And don't bother with another snide reply, will just make yourself look more ridiculous.
Posted by
Discover Thainess
on
July 31, 2015 05:34
Editor Comment:
I'll leave it to you and your 80 year old mother to decide whether she remains active enough to ride to the beach, DT. It's great that you still want to take her there. I suggest that, like any good son or daughter would, you should organise her safe travel. Personally, if I was 80 and couldn't get on a motorcycle carrying a beach chair, I'd begin to wonder whether I should settle for an afternoon on a jet-ski or parachute jumping instead.
The elderly remain free to choose how active they wish to be. The real issue here is whether most ageing people are able to get up from mats on the sand or are better off on sunbeds.
Why is it that Pattaya still have sun lounges and yet on Phuket beaches they're banned with the beach lovers only allocated 10% of the beach area for use? The next high season is going to show the authorities just how ludicrous this whole arrangement is.
Posted by
DG
on
July 31, 2015 07:11
I still haven't heard a valid argument as to why the government could not operate a limited sun lounge & umbrella rental business. It could be operated under strict guidelines with a limited number of chairs and umbrellas and the proceeds could go toward cleaning the beach and the provision of life guards.
Posted by
pete59
on
July 31, 2015 09:28
Editor Comment:
The most valid point is that beaches once were covered in umbrellas. Who draws the line on who gets umbrellas and who doesn't? Hence the need to support nature without compromise: let customers bring their own.
@pete59. I have previously suggested the authorities could tender out designated portions of the beach for the right to operate a sunbed/umbrella franchise (say to the highest bidder, and with suitable clauses in the licence regarding tidyness, non-proliferation etc).
The consensus is that such an exercise, particularly the subsequent "policing", is beyond the capability of the local government. Sad really.
Posted by
Elephants Gerald
on
July 31, 2015 10:06
(moderated)
Posted by
peter wilson
on
July 31, 2015 10:44
Editor Comment:
It's really lame how people resort to insults when they have nothing to say.
I am a manager at a hotel very close to the beach. We have a lovely 79 year old couple who have stayed with us every year for the last ten years .This year they had to carry their own chairs and umbrellas to the beach.One day the elderly man fell whilst carrying all these things and broke his arm close to the shoulder joint. He was in great pain and spent five days at Bangkok Phuket Hospital after having an operation to reset his arm and have a plate inserted. This is the beach policy in action. If this is the way we treat our tourists then we don't deserve to have them.
Posted by
Stu
on
July 31, 2015 11:08
Editor Comment:
Which beach was that, Stu? Why didn't the couple take advantage of the 10 percent rule? Bringing your own beach chairs is banned.
(moderated) your a disgrace !
Posted by
Steve Saluzi
on
July 31, 2015 13:22
Editor Comment:
But at least I can string a sentence together.
Ed I doubt you can string your shoes together, I knew you didnt have the balls to publish my comments because they are true and you know it.
Like I said Hope the navy and everyone else you defame including your readers throw the book at you.....if you was in your home country you would be on the dole by now !
Posted by
Steve Saluzi
on
July 31, 2015 13:26
Editor Comment:
Thanks for your comment, Steve. Your wit, your intelligence, and your commitment to improve the whole human race is on display yet again.
(moderated)
Posted by
Steve Saluzi
on
July 31, 2015 14:09
Editor Comment:
There is nothing remotely connected to the recent death of my father that has anything to do with the provision of sunbeds on Phuket's beaches, SS. Unless you end your pathetic insults and learn how to get out of the gutter, you won't be published here again.
Editor Comment:
Which beach was that, Stu? Why didn't the couple take advantage of the 10 percent rule? Bringing your own beach chairs is banned.
An interesting comment from an Editor who advocates the removal of the 10 % rule, and the allowance of bringing your own umbrellas to the beach.
Posted by
graham
on
July 31, 2015 16:51
Editor Comment:
What we advocate has nothing to do with the facts of this particular incident. We seem to be attracting more commenters who can't think straight these days.
Oh, that's right. You've previously said that you want the beach chairs back, graham . . . all of them. That explains everything.
The beach was Patong beach. They probably like the location of our hotel because you only have to cross the road to use the beach, the 10 percent area that you talk about is very far from this end of the beach, a problem many people face because Patong is such a long beach. Lets face it these new rules don't work, and they will damage our tourist industry.
Posted by
stu
on
July 31, 2015 17:16
Editor Comment:
Thanks for the update, Stu. The rules are certainly controversial and you're right - they do not work. It's disturbing to hear about any case where things go this wrong. Would it have been possible, I wonder, for the couple to have had some help carrying their equipment to the beach? That would be essential for elderly people who are frail. I still think a byo policy is better than forcing people to lie on mats, with no hope of getting up without help. Let's hope the thinking changes and not only preserves the beach but also those who enjoy it.
Elderly people have as much of a problem getting on and of a motorcycle as they do getting up from a beach mat and why should they.
bring the beach lounges back but in controlled amounts, not the seven rows deep they had at Nai Harn beach before but the 2 rows they were supposed to have on some sections of beach, the army removed them all so the tourists and public could use the beach as well.
People should be able to bring their own chairs and umbrella's if they want to and not be forced to rent them from vendors
Posted by
peter allen
on
July 31, 2015 17:57
And you really wonder why you are so despised morisen....look at your retorts on this blogsite to readers who help pay your way..Jail will be a good leveler for you along with the much needed attitude adjustment you will find there.
Posted by
James
on
July 31, 2015 18:50
Editor Comment:
James, I am not despised. Quite the opposite. PW deservedly has a huge fan base. It's sad, really, that you and about two other online ''haters'' are unable to behave like normal people and get your kicks in perverse ways, puffing yourselves up with multiple aliases. You need help. Please get it before you really do become the lunatic you pretend to be. On the other hand, what would I do for a laugh without you?
"You will see elderly people turning up on motorcycles, carrying beach chairs"
Then they will save 100 bath per day, unless they can be two people incl. all their beach gear on one motorbike taxi, otherwise it will be 400 bath per day for beach transportation.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
July 31, 2015 21:22
will they be banning large brimmed hats and inflatable loungers soon too?
Posted by
mike
on
July 31, 2015 21:58
Editor Comment:"But at least I can string a sentence together."
Yes, you can, probably 10 years.
Many of your readers are not native English speakers, please be a little considerate of them!
Posted by
Chill
on
August 1, 2015 04:18
Editor Comment:
I am always considerate of them, Chill. When it's plain that a commenter has a malicious attitude, they get as good as they give.
Morison, you're a troll on a bully pulpit. You are assuming the news site's fans are also yours, but it's evident from reading the comments here and on various discussion sites this is not so. Some of your most recent retorts to readers, "go use a butt-plug" and allowing a reader to comment on my breast size show just how low your judgement has sunk. It seems PW might just be better off without you as you have commented earlier you are simply the translator, plenty of those around that won't abuse the readership. Now, I'm going to put this comment on Andy Hall's page where you are bristling for my retort to a prior comment, and let's see how you will respond there.
Posted by
The PJO'R Mare
on
August 1, 2015 13:02
Editor Comment:
I'm always ready to respond by challenging readers whose version of events is far from the truth. And the truth is that you're a hypocritical misanthrope who has never added anything of value at this site or any other site. You abuse the privilege given to you to comment by twisting information and your worthless responses have received far more oxygen than they deserve. Now you've announced your intention to misuse Andy Hall's page. Will that be under your own name, or under one of you many aliases? I have no idea how or why a reader managed to find something to say about you or your breast size. We find nothing worthwhile about your views to mention. We never leak email details but clearly, observant readers now appear to know who you are and what you are. Keep up the good work. But not here, please. You've worn out your welcome.
The PJOR'S Mare
I never commented on your breasts size,I only republished exactly what you yourself published on The Phuket News forum - thus you yourself voluntary have decided to make information about your C-size public. Since the information is put in a legitimate way in a public domain without strings attached, we are eligible to use it for whatever bona fide purpose.
If you will ask what is my penis length and girth when erected,I still will think whether I am willing to put such an advertisement publicly,since those parameters,same as about your breasts, are above average statistics.
P.S. My Nick has nothing to do with anglo-saxon female proper name, it is just a nick.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 1, 2015 14:35
The problem can be sorted by allocating a strip of sunbeds along the margins of the beach closest to the prom, there is already much shelter on the southern section of Patong, the north end near Lomo park and towards the roundabout would need more planting. Three rows of chairs could be allocated along the entire beach set under the trees and in the shade, leaving the rest of the beach clear and easy on the eye.
A municipality allied to the tourist board must run it with profits going to environmental projects, as oppose to private pockets.
A strategy (yet again?) to phase out the jet ski's must be put in place but there again are there Mr Bigs involved here through un named powerful families at work same people who own the tuk tuks ? that want their financial slice ofthe cake.Surprisingly the media never seem to be able to investigate and come up with names of who these people are. Is this down to retrobution.
As for the current authorities and their survey i dont think they could run a bath never mind a successful beach area, high season will be a disaster and they will get what they deserve, but not what the tourists desire sadly.
Without wishing to be cynicla, i lived in Patong for 12 years and eg tuk tuks,jet ski's problems are still going on with nothing EVER changing, its like a tape loop and something that is laughable if it wasnt for the detriment to the tourists
Posted by
LES
on
August 1, 2015 15:00
Editor Comment:
Three rows of chairs?
The PJOR'S Mare
If you ,Christy, has managed to develop gaps in your term memory, I would like to recall your post that is as recent as 5 days ago on The Phuket News site:
christysweet??|??27 July 2015 - 11:50:00
Actually, Joe, I haven't seen topless women on beaches or pools around Phuket for years. And if men are subject to the same law why weren't males also arrested at the pool party? I'm a solid C cup size I guess I could find a like sized male and participate in a ... Breast-Off where we both go to Patong beach topless and see who is harassed. But if I got arrested I would be then labeled a sexual offender in my home country and likely have to register as such- which would be massively detrimental to my future. No country in the world legally considers topless men as sexually provocative. The entire premise of women's breasts needing to be covered is sexist.-
See more at:
http://www.thephuketnews.com/topless-pool-party-models-fined-53211.php
I also took a note that you appreciate smoking a pot. That, to my observation, can cause catastrophic failure of short-term memory, as a pot wipes these data out, that is a part of mechanics how weeds work:
once I helped my friend to prepare for hearings as a litigant in person, for his consumer case against his bank,that tried with various means change interest rate on his mortgage. The claim itself was of ca.80 pages of text,it is annexes and evidence, quite complex legal logic, but he as a smart guy,coped very well with that. We spent on Sa. almost 4 hours on phone going into details before hearings on Tu.
However, on Su.he smoked a pot,and on Mo. whatever we discussed on Sa., became absolutely blank page for him, he was unable to recall absolutely anything from Sa. discussion.
Still,he has won the case even with such substandard preparation, also at appeal.
Currently he is CEO of regional office of one Silicon valley big company,and his boss - one of the youngest billionaires, hired him while whisking him on a private jet when he had to go from A to B in States on a plane ticket for a previous employer.
And he does not smoke a pot anymore,as it hurts his mental abilities.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 1, 2015 15:16
Editor Comment:
You've had the last word, Sue. Ms Sweet and the Mares won't be responding.
At the risk of becoming just another unwanted spicule between our own violet and the black rose's barb, its sometimes better left to the imagination when consumption is improbable, the content of mugs and snags.
Posted by
MoW
on
August 1, 2015 16:39
Question please to the Editor if i may.Why , sir are you on a seemingly rampant charge to self destruct what i consider a very good newspaper online outlet? You constantly post comments from agitators and reply in a flaming,and often insulting tone to them saying basically that you treat them as they treat you and using this as an excuse to lower yourself to their gutter levels in response=tit for tat sort of childishness.Surely if you are serious about your often quoted words about trying to present a quality site, that you would desist from this ongoing nonsense.Apart from the desirable and relevant comments from Ian Yarwood, which are mostly very good and suitable for the calibre of news site you seem to desire, sadly he a lone bright star here.The majority of the rest of the comments such as from Sue for example in particular, and a few others who add nothing at all to the likeability or quality of your site are always on view,day after day,swamping the comments section with mostly nonsensical ravings.Why on earth are you doing this to yourself? Its sad to see to be honest!
Posted by
Loder
on
August 1, 2015 17:40
Editor Comment:
I don't believe in giving ground to the ill-informed and ignorant, Loder. As I've said before, there was a time when newspaper letters pages editors were able to screen out the screaming banshees so their opinions were not heard. Most people with a real concept of their own limitations realised they had nothing to say and no chance of being heard because they lacked the power of logic. These days, the internet allows even the dimmest of wits to have a say. Do you really believe the views of the ill-informed and ignorant should go unchallenged? Should good men and women remain silent in the face of those who rise up, like intellectual zombies, to take over the world? I'd rather fight, thanks. I'd like to think that logic and thought are worth battling to preserve . . . or we're all doomed.
@ Loder
the short answer: Because he is an Australian journalist.
Posted by
Elephants Gerald
on
August 1, 2015 19:02
Thanks for your effort in trying to answer my earlier questions.Its your outlet and you can do whatever you like and say whatever you like, but i fear that you are missing the point i was trying to make regarding the very evident lack of quality comments and the many non sensical comments that you insist on posting.
I mean, take a look at this one today..What on earth have you and your outlet got to gain by publishing such bizarre gutter talk?
Posted by Sue on August 1, 2015 14:35; If you will ask what is my penis length and girth when erected,I still will think whether I am willing to put such an advertisement publicly,since those parameters,same as about your breasts, are above average statistics."
This is exactly the type of comment i am talking about earlier.It is totally out of place on this news outlet if you are serious about wanting a quality site.
Maybe you are not seeing PW comments as we readers do, from the outside,so to speak.I for one,personally find it quite distasteful and detrimental to your hard efforts to maintain one of the best news outlets available at present.I'm sure i'm not the only reader who feels this way.
Posted by
Loder
on
August 1, 2015 19:02
Editor Comment:
Oh, you're just sensitive to words like ''penis.'' Sorry, Loder. I don't share your problem.
(moderated)
I have never advocated for the full return of beach chairs.
I have instead tried to participate in a discussion on this complex situation; however this proved to be impossible, as my views conflicted with your own.
(moderated)
Posted by
graham
on
August 1, 2015 19:18
Editor Comment:
I've culled your gratuitous insults, which doesn't leave much, graham. Logic isn't your strong-point. The quote from your previous post is as follows:
''Removing the beach chairs has not made for a more pleasant beach experience for anyone.
''The beaches now resemble a yard sale with no order, and are not nearly as attractive as before the sun chairs were removed.''
(moderated)
Posted by
Elephants Gerald
on
August 1, 2015 19:24
Editor Comment:
I should tell you, EG, that you are not nearly as witty as you think. Please try to be original just once.
Thanks again Mr Editor for your reply. Uncalled for but none the less its your reply.
It is said that if you choose to lie down with dogs, you will indeed get infected, as you apparently have.
"quod vos adepto vos mereri"
Posted by
Loder
on
August 1, 2015 19:39
Editor Comment:
As with so many readers, your insult was not warranted and simply served to demonstrate how little you deserve Phuketwan, Loder. I am not sure why I waste so much time with people who have so little to work with.
Loder,
I agree with you. Some of the commenters on PW are distasteful, offensive and just plain rude, so I will try moderate myself in future.
PW is still the best provider of up to date news on Phuket and has been for a long time. If you don't like the comments, don't read them.
Many people single out Sue's comments for ridecule but between each epistle he does provide a lot of information. Sometimes, even on the same topic.
Posted by
MoW
on
August 1, 2015 19:47
Loder,
you are obviously a kind of person who adopted that culture of eating SomTam with their favourite soap operas on TVs, and are ready to consume news and other non-fiction only if it already chewed well, it is left just to swallow and is as sweet as fiction bestseller - just take a conformable armchair, relax and enjoy the show! - and most important, away from all unclear, adversary, debatable and contentious issues, anything that is not 100% probable or not perfectly clear.
Actually that age of media has inadvertently gone, you may look into some yellow press , you may like it the way of presentation, finality of conclusions and all-the-clear-matter style of reporting.
Besides your comments above, you have posted two more comments here under this or similar nick, in one of them you referred to my comments on disappearance of Joshua Devine as "inane", albeit, regardless that some commenter didn't like what they read about the matter in my comments, my focus on financial status of the deceased and the wife as the primary suspect has proved to be very correct - the guy has 4 houses in Phuket, is the co-owner of a dive outlet, and yes, his wife is first in line: moreover his friends believe that he was intentionally drugged, as he kept non-drinking code prior dives.
So, who's is inane here?
Obviously, those somtam-chewers-TV-soap-opera-watchers are.
About tits&penises exchange, you exhibited here lack of attention as you clearly missed when that person addressed the matter in the way, it was ricocheted back to her later, in the similar manner as she expressed herslef:
Posted by The PJO'R Mare on July 28, 2015 08:19
I predict a conviction, a lengthy appeal (on bail) and lots and lots more sucking of milk from the publicity teat by PW.
http://phuketwan.com/tourism/letter-john-kerry-highlights-phuketwan-andy-hall-defamation-trials-22868/
So, I suggest you switch on your TV, take your SomTam, whether Bpet Thai or Bpet Noi, it doesn't matter,get The DailyMail or Daily Mirror last printed issued and enjoy yourself sweetly in your your comfortable armchair.
Posted by
Sue
on
August 1, 2015 19:50
@ ed - why do you allow comments about personal stuff, which have nothing with the articles subject to do. Readers are interested in opinions about the issue, not in nonsense remarks about people's appearance.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
August 1, 2015 22:07
Editor Comment:
Indeed they are, Sherlock. We leave the parameters as wide as possible yet share your wish for better-informed contributions.
Phuket,s tourism industry will never thrive whilst we continually get new Governors from Provinces that do not have tourists. Governor Nisit is a prime example of this selection policy, Karon beach has been deserted all this season, due to his ridiculous policies, thus local restaurants, guesthouses and bars have all had a terrible season Why can we not have a Phuket native as elected Governor - who is familiar with the needs of tourists.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
August 2, 2015 09:58
Editor Comment:
The beach clearances were the military's doing, anonymous. Governor Nisit is simply trying to make the best of the aftermath. The system is in need of revision.
I would love to meet up with you in a patong bar little man morrison, lets see how outspoken you are then
Posted by
Steve Scirotto
on
August 2, 2015 10:16
Editor Comment:
I wouldn't go out of my way to meet anyone inclined to make veiled threats of violence or verbal abuse, Steve. The bullies of this world are not worth knowing.
Ed - no violance from me it is pretty obvious that the only verbal violance comes from you whilst hiding behind your macbook.
A thai jail is the ONLY place for you
Posted by
Steve Scirotto
on
August 2, 2015 11:14
Editor Comment:
Your horizons are clearly limited by bars of one kind or another. Thanks for the laugh.
"Governor Nisit is simply trying to make the best of the aftermath"
By forbidding the rental beach chairs which the majority of tourists want and allowing jet-skis everywhere, which only the operators want?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
August 2, 2015 15:13
Editor Comment:
Are you sure the governor has a say on either of those issues?
Dear Editor,
You state that I am for the re-introduction of " the beach chairs - all of them ", and then produce a quote that says nothing of the kind.
As a goal of removing commerce from the beaches was
to make the beaches more scenic and attractive to tourists, the fact that scores of my Guests found the exact opposite to be true is relevant to the discussion. At no point did I say I was for the re-introduction of the beach chairs - all of them.
I called you out on your error and you responded as always - ignoring the facts and obfuscating with insult.
It is a shame that your ego will not allow for a point of view that contradicts your own view.
Posted by
graham herdman
on
August 2, 2015 15:14
Editor Comment:
I am perfectly content to reproduce opposing views, provided they have some logic. If your guests find the beaches ''more scenic and attractive'' with beach chairs, then I regret to say I wonder at their logic or your ability to accurate convey their thoughts.
I don't have an ego. But I can tell an argument developed entirely around self-interest from a considerable distance. Could the truth actually be that your guests prefer the beaches with chairs on them for their own comfort? I would find that believable. Just how many beach chairs would satisfy you, graham? One for each of your guests?
SS,
I'm sure your invitation to dine with the Ed is much appreciated. It is always nice to hear the readers of this site willing to do that little bit extra and also provide the entertainment.
You have obviously given the potential meeting considerable thought to make it one of those special occasions and your determination to bestow this generous offer on the Ed is an example of appreciation we all have for the effort of others and entertainment value provided to us by commenters having taken the time to provide well thought out opinions.
Posted by
MoW
on
August 2, 2015 20:17
"Are you sure the governor has a say on either of those issues?"
O yes - I have seen him on an interview warmly recommending the presence of jet skis.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
August 2, 2015 23:10
Dear Editor,
OK, I will try again.
As a resident of Kata for 5 years, I have observed the beaches with and without beach chairs.
I personally never rent a beach chair, but instead drop my towel, go for a swim and then leave.
It is my opinion that this past high season, Kata and Kata Noi Beaches looked more cluttered, crowded and less attractive than they did before the removal of the beach chairs. This was also the opinion of many of our Repeat Guests.
As I love Phuket and am proud of living here, I found this distressing.
This is not to say that Kata and Kata Noi were not heading the way of Surin Beach, where the beach chair business was ruining the beach.
This is not to say that I am for the return of all of the beach chairs.
This is only to say that one of the goals of removing
commerce from the beaches was to improve the beaches' aesthetics, and it is my opinion that this goal has not been achieved.
Unlike others, I do not pretend to have all of the answers, but I do believe that the aesthetics of the beaches after the beach chair removal is pertinent to the discussion.
And Editor, please be honest, " how many days in the past 5 year5 did you have time to go to the beach ? "
Perhaps, you are not an expert on how the beaches looked before and after, and perhaps others opinions are as valid as your own.
No need to ridicule or insult just because someone has a view contrary to your own.
Posted by
graham herdman
on
August 3, 2015 14:56
Editor Comment:
I don't insult people for holding different views, graham, but if I am needlessly insulted, the insulter can expect to be dealt with appropriately.
So you've only been visiting Phuket beaches for five years? I've been making a point of visiting as many Phuket beaches as possible and looking at them objectively for much much longer than you have, graham. But as I've often said in the past, the amount of time spent living on Phuket bears no relationship to any understanding of the island's problems or solutions. Someone fresh off the plane today can potentially see the issue more clearly than you, and possibly me. People who puff themselves up because they've been here for a while often don't have a clue.
But I can say I've visited at least 10 Phuket beaches in the past 10 weeks, graham, and I look at them objectively. In other words, there is no self-interest in my judgements.
Opinions have little value unless they are reinforced by facts. There are no facts used by you so far to support your opinion.
My view is that the beaches are far more attractive without sunbeds and umbrellas. You are the first and only person so far to claim the beaches look better with sunbeds and umbrellas on them, and to claim that your guests think so, too.
That's why it's my belief you are confusing the aesthetics of the way the beaches look with the comfort of your guests. If you are a paid member of the tourism industry, your judgements are always going to be influenced by your wallet.
Plenty of comments on web sites with tourists saying that they will not return to Phuket and go elsewhere because of the no sunbeds and umbrella rules for most of the beaches
Just check other web sites out.
Posted by
peter allen
on
August 3, 2015 17:09
Editor Comment:
Plenty here too, peter. I assume the authorities considered the reaction of tourists before they enforced the law.
I do not understand the local officials approach to sunbeds and umbrella's and their ignoring what a lot of tourists want even though the local economy depends on tourists, may be you do Alan.
Its certainly not the Royal Thai Navy's job to police the beaches as you have suggested more than once on your web site
Posted by
peter allen
on
August 3, 2015 17:36
Editor Comment:
It's not a local approach, it's a national approach to removing illegal private commercial businesses from public spaces, including shorefronts and beaches. What we have suggested in consistent enforcement of standards by a Phuket Beach Authority with the Royal Thai Navy conducting patrols.
You could always become a Thai National/citizen instead of a expat as most people are who post on English language Internet forums and news sites, Then the people in power would respect your opinions if you are lucky, Although I doubt it
Posted by
peter allen
on
August 3, 2015 18:49
" What we have suggested in consistent enforcement of standards by a Phuket Beach Authority with the Royal Thai Navy conducting patrols."
Well, local 'logic' would determine that's when the Chinese-bought submarines could come in handy. Or is the deal off now? Still, submarines patrolling off Kata and Nai Harn to nab illicit umbrella users would make as much sense as patrolling in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Thailand where they'd be easy prey.
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
August 3, 2015 18:55
With so much riding on the Prince of Songkhla report, due for release at the next beach ''summit'' on August 20, a lot will be also be riding on the competency of the university's research.
well, here is the problem.there are tourists in europe who wait for the final result on whether sunbeds or not.Many shall decide against a vacation in phuket if it is a NO.The time for flight booking in the high season runs out. People cannot get a flight anymore if not book as soon as possible.authorities should make up their mind asap.another hurdle is the strong baht to the euro as the euro lost about 20% value which means the vacation comes 20% more expensive.
Posted by
beachlover
on
August 4, 2015 07:40
Editor Comment:
The views of the people who actually invest their money in holidays on Phuket have been overlooked and continue to be overlooked. This reflects an approach that shows every concern for one side of the business - the stakeholders on Phuket - but not the slightest interest in their customers (or their customers' money). You don't need an MBA to figure what will happen next.
I have been in Patong the last three high seasons. There are so many things to enjoy but the beach situation really requires a remedy.
FIRST the Jets and paras ailing concessions use an excessive portions of beach and swimming areas. The operators run the jet skis too fat by the shore seemingly to display their careless ability. Their customers are sometimes inexperienced; I have witnessed some racing across designated swim areas when the lost control of the machines. These activities seem to be popular with some tourists but many more do no appreciate the noisd, the danger, and the intrusiveness of the entire operation.
SECOND the umbrella/lounge concession needs work. I personally appreciated their removal and people bringing their own. I understand the problem that creates for some people as well as the economic concerns of the concession employees. However they have monopolized the beach for years making it all but impossible for their non customers to find places to simply lie on the sand. The beach had much better visibility of the landscape after lounges and umbrellas were taken away. I would suggest the lounge chairs and rented umbrellas be limited to zones near to Beach Road and kept at least ten meters away from the high tide waterline.
THREE do something about concession workers using the small tree clumps and bushes for their private toilets. Let them use the public toilet free. Some areas have strong odor of urine.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
August 6, 2015 11:40
For the first time in many years we will not be coming to Phuket for our Christmas break. We are going to where we can have sunbeds and umbrella's. IF and its a BIG IF they wind back the stupid rules they have been chopping and changing on for the last two years we will come back and if they could do something about the jet ski's who are the only ones that have benefited from all this then that would be extra incentive. Also we do not want to carry our chairs and umbrella's as we are on holiday and happy to pay for the privilege.
Posted by
Craig
on
August 25, 2015 08:31
Editor Comment:
Good luck with that, Craig. Do let us know how you enjoy the alternative, and please send a photo.
You are not the only one Craig. Lots of people who came many times to Phuket for weeks or even months are going to another destination than Phuket (in- or outside Thailand).
Posted by
Mark
on
August 25, 2015 14:11
After 6 successive years of visiting Phuket for 3 weeks at a time in February I have already booked for Vietnam next year. I made the booking on the day the editor referred to those of us who like comfort and shade on the beach as "Sun Lounge Layabouts". To be honest I don't know what to expect in Vietnam but I do know what I would get in Phuket. A numb bum and sunburn if I am not careful!
Posted by
Richard
on
August 25, 2015 22:46
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I know it's low season but it is very quiet at Bang Tao Beach resorts. Only 6 people at our resort ! Only my kids in the kids club. I think many had already booked their holidays for last high season so still arrived but took back the real information confirming no beach chairs no umbrellas no eating but beer is fine ! That will have been reported in there newspapers and online. This high season will show the true impact on the tourism dollar.
Posted by Conquestador on July 30, 2015 12:00