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Phuket Shorefront Trees to be Axed
By Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian Tuesday, November 10, 2015
PHUKET: A precious natural glade of trees on the foreshore at a popular Phuket beach faces destruction at any time to make way for a ''Hollywood museum.''
Thirty-two trees have been earmarked to be axed. With them will go the pleasing natural atmosphere at one of Phuket's most adored beaches.
Residents around Nai Harn are angry at Rawai Mayor Aroon Soroj because they weren't consulted and the 40 million baht project is about to begin, with destruction of the 32 trees as the first step.
Nai Harn ranks among the Top 10 Beaches in Asia, according to Trip Advisor.
But its appeal - and the appeal of nearby resorts, including the recently renovated Phuket Yacht Club - would also be lopped with the destruction of the glade of trees.
Public protests to save the trees are likely by expats, residents, tourists and resort managements unless the contract is cancelled immediately.
But the Department of Tourism and Sport, which funded the project, is then likely to be sued by the development company, K2L, for breach of contract.
The shady glade on the shorefront at Nai Harn is one of the few remaining natural gems at any beach in southern Phuket.
Authorities on the island are already being strongly criticised for inept beach management. - loss of the trees would turn off thousands more beach lovers from Europe and Australia.
Once news of the plan to chop down the glade and replace it with a movie museum spreads, protests are likely from all over Thailand and internationally, from visitors who love the beach and its secluded glade.
Santi Pawai, Phuket Tourism and Sport director, provided funding. He said he had been assured by Mayor Aroon that the project would proceed without protests.
''He told us 'OK, OK, no problem,'' Khun Santi told Phuketwan today.
Just how the Department of Tourism and Sport could countenance replacing a natural shorefront with a movie museum is another question that protesters are likely to ask.
Mayor Soroj has not responded to attempts by Phuketwan to contact him.
The Nai Harn beach is popular with tourists and nearby residents because of its splendid natural environment.
Local village chief Boonsom Ponlob said he had already received many anguished calls from Thai and expat residents about the December 2 deadline for destruction of the glade.
''I wasn't told about this,'' he said. ''If public meetings were held, then they must have virtually been held in secret.
''I have just got the blueprint from the contractor and it requires chopping down 32 trees over two rai. The glade will be gone.
''Those trees are what makes Nai Harn stand out from other beaches. Mayor Aroon has neglected to tell local people about this.''
The plan was first revealed in an article in Phuketwan in April. Residents may have thought the idea was so far-fetched that it would simply vanish.
Phuket administrative authorities - not known for their understanding of nature or for valuing Phuket's precious beach shorefronts - approved the project and passed it over to Rawai Council and Mayor Aroon.
The last vast waste of public money on an unnecessary public building was the 50 million baht spent to build the Phuket Gateway - an expensive tourist attraction near the Tachatchai checkpoint entrance to Phuket that only attracts a handful of visitors a day, on a good day.
The Gateway could be the perfect alternative site for a ''Hollywood Museum.''
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
This seriously takes the cake on recent dumb ideas planned for Phuket. I live in Nai Harn, and don't want some crappy "Hollywood Museum" in my neighborhood. Cut the trees and the tourists will come ... seriously doubt it, Khun Aroon.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 10, 2015 16:26
My nephew has worked at the Phuket Or Bor Jor for 30 years. When I ask him about these things he always just rubs his thumb and forefingers together and says- 'dtang'. Dtang of course is Southern Thai slang for money. 'Dtang rang' is another popular one meaning satang farang or farang's money. When I ask my nephew how certain resorts got built or encroached on pubic land he just gives that one word answer, dtang.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
November 10, 2015 16:47
Once my jaw returns to normal from the heavy drop it took whilst reading this story I should be able to comment coherently. For now I will say that myself and many other expats that I know have settled and invested in this area in large part due to the natural beauty of Nai Harn Beach. Many of us were led to believe that the land holdings of Wat Nai Harn prevented any further development along the foreshore and this myth has persisted for many years, until today. This might finally push me and many others out - but not without first having my say. Let the protests begin!
Posted by
Treelover
on
November 10, 2015 17:01
no need to cancel the budget just use it to improve the parking area on Nai harn beach, build some quality showers, changing rooms, how about some build in Bbq stations like they have in public parks in Australia and NZ and well designed picnic zones. I pray that the someone stops this Museum at last minute, but do not have much hope
Posted by
wm
on
November 10, 2015 17:14
I'm aghast at the Phuket/Rawai authorities contradiction of returning their beaches to nature and then 'proposing' decimation of the unrivaled shade, light and vistas created by this sylvan grove. Can anyone provide a corollary linking the beauty of Nai Harn beach, temple and lagoon with a 'Hollywood Museum' other than profit, aka greed. As Phuket stumbles to redefine and rescue its appeal to many tourists I'm probably not aghast - a Centre of Excellence for joined up planning it's not.
Posted by
Michael
on
November 10, 2015 17:24
Thank you very much for your article. May we keep our fingers crossed!
Posted by
peter rawai
on
November 10, 2015 17:24
The nice grove of trees at the north end of Kamala Beach is currently being destroyed as well (slowly as to deflect attention) as part of a huge project. Money talks.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
November 10, 2015 17:48
I thought all of the restaurants were moved out of there during the clean up of beaches because it was public land and they were not allowed, was it just for this museum?
Posted by
oh no
on
November 10, 2015 17:58
Editor Comment:
Saved from the private profiteers, sacrificed for old movies . . . a natural asset, destroyed by money and silliness.
some sixteen years ago it was arbitrarily decided that the banks of the lagoon should be stripped of the natural trees growing there and new trees planted. Just on earth why this exercise was carried out and what the benefits were was never explained to locals. Cost? Allegedly 40 million baht... to cut trees down.
I ask you...
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
November 10, 2015 18:29
As soon as this movie museum is completed the lake will be ringed with smoke-spewing tour buses of Chinese tourists. Forget about exercising there in the future.
The Bang Wad dam area will also turn into a polluted noisy mess of tour buses when the government's plan there is completed.
The Phuket government can be counted on to develop Phuket in the worst possible way, each and every time.
Posted by
BigP
on
November 10, 2015 18:42
(moderated)
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 10, 2015 19:23
Editor Comment:
Give your full name and your address and you can make allegations, provided you produce compelling evidence.Perhaps, anonymous, you are out of touch with the real world. Letting the media face the consequences of your actions is not especially brave.
If a search was initiated to find the single worst place on the entire planet to build such a ridiculous thing, the shore front at Nai Harn beach would be it. It's easily the dumbest idea I've ever heard. Bring on the protests. This mayor needs to be publicly shamed and reviled.
Posted by
Jogo
on
November 10, 2015 19:42
Editor Comment:
It appears to be the decision of several administrators.
The Phuket Gateway project... a classic. Phuket at its best. It had a slim chance of redemption if the Convention Centre was ever built in Mai Khao as it was likely to be used as a car park option for buses. C'mon Phuket... International tourist destination? Pah.
Posted by
Duncan
on
November 10, 2015 19:52
This would be the ultimate in stupidity. Nai Harn Beach is one of the jewels of Phuket. One of the most gorgeous beaches anywhere. Why would anybody put a tacky building there? Thailand stop ruining the God-given natural beauty your country has been blessed with. How could anyone ever do such a thing?
Posted by
Paradise
on
November 10, 2015 19:56
Make the Museum at Phuket Gateway. No one use it anyway and I guess it will be the same with a Hollywood Museum in Nai Harn.
Keep the nature, that's what Locals and Visitors want
Posted by
Mj
on
November 10, 2015 19:57
Another giant stride in Phuket's race to the bottom. Will this nonsense ever stop...?...ooops, I'm sorry, forgive me for the stupid question.
Posted by
Richard Vickers
on
November 10, 2015 20:38
This Island is driven by money.. only money. So now chinese are the new frontier: they dont care for the beaches, they run in group, the dont care about trees and nature, .. So these are the consequeces..
Posted by
dave
on
November 10, 2015 20:50
Editor Comment:
Some of your comments are bigotry, dave. Don't you understand that? Hugging a tree won't make you a better human being.
I am afraid that many commenters miss the point here. It matters not if this is being done due to corruption, greed or foolishness. It only matters that some organized, effective means of protest be implemented to stop this. That instead of whining about the "insert blanket group here" the community comes together to end this here and now.
I have long since left Phuket but a part of me will always love it there. Please don't let this be another "dolphinarium" with a lot of "sturm und drang" and zero actual action. I wish I was there, it's been a long while but I remember how to "spike a tree" and add sand to diesel engine.
Posted by
Martin
on
November 10, 2015 20:57
Editor Comment:
A simple protest to the governor - who probably doesn't know much about this plan - involving 10, 20 or 100 foreigners and larger numbers of local residents would stand a chance. The sad fact is, most expats on Phuket are too frightened to say Boo. We hope for once, they show some mettle. Destruction will begin at any moment.
you're right in that i don't have proof and i apologise for my error.it's an unspoken truth that can get someone hurt or worse.i admire phuketwan.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 10, 2015 21:06
Editor Comment:
Thanks, anonymous. But unless you and others like you make your feeling known and turn out to save this glade, the Nai Harm foreshore will be destroyed. As you know, PW's time is also running out.
Cutting trees is 'cutting' NaiHarn Beach.
Why not build that silly museum at the north side of the temple, on that large parking lot where never cars are parked?
Only driving schools sometimes exercise there their students once in a while.
NAiHarn Beach needs a upgrade, not a downgrade.
Does the Governor has knowledge of this silly building on public land at a beach?
Near Phromthep Cape is space enough. Tourist can than do the museum en sunset tour in 1 ride.
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 10, 2015 21:34
so many better places to build it, why destroy a beautiful area, please everyone share on social media with all friends.
Posted by
Michael
on
November 11, 2015 01:02
Editor Comment:
Protests need to be fast and physical.
M not a bigotry, m realistic. Nai Harn 15 years ago was a paradise, now is a shame. They cut the wonderful colored trees before and put the worst cheapest exiting in Thailand that even can't grow up close to the beach because of the wind. Can't control the people using the side of the lake as a dump site, can't clean the beach and before the cleaning operating by the Army all the frontshore was an illegal building site. Can't have the lights after the third installation. And now the last crazy idea: nobody with a common sense can even imagine to cut the trees that made this beach so beautiful. So, everything must change, but here only in one direction: the worst!!
Posted by
dave
on
November 11, 2015 01:23
Editor Comment:
Get off your butt and do something then, dave. Don't rave about it.
Why would the shore front be the selected location for the Hollywood Museum. I could understand if it was a museum to showcase the history and success of the Island's surf life saving ability but that would require only a very small structure and could be sited on wheels, allowing it to be moved every few days into a new 10% zone or positioned to suit announcement of any new beach rules.
In 12 months when they realise the selected location for a museum having a Hollywood theme may have not been suitable, the local beach vendors could retrofit it to function as a distribution centre for their beach sales business.
Posted by
MoW
on
November 11, 2015 02:10
Editor Comment:
A few years back, the same thoughtful local council rejected an offer to have Australian help in turning a disused sala on the shorefront into a lifesaving training centre. The disused sala is still falling down. The local vendors are all opposed to the museum. They're not stupid.
This is a disgrace. I saw them marking out an area under the trees a few weeks ago when I was in Phuket. Never in my mind did I think that anybody would cut the casuarina trees down on the best beaches in Phuket. Those involved should hang their heads in shame - it is an utter disgrace. And for what a tacky trinket outlet that NOBODY wants. Time to sell up and go somewhere else.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 11, 2015 02:48
Editor Comment:
Time to get a real name and protest in real life.
How much would the penalty be for breaking contract? Could the people decide to fundraise the money?
Posted by
Flunders
on
November 11, 2015 03:47
Editor Comment:
There is no time, Flunders, and no community is going to raise 40 million baht to fix a mistake made by the the council and the ill-named Tourism and Sport Ministry.
"A simple protest to the governor - who probably doesn't know much about this plan - involving 10, 20 or 100 foreigners and larger numbers of local residents would stand a chance."
Absolutely.
Even 5 or 10 people showing up, something, anything. I have already written to the Governor but that's not enough, being 13,000 miles away I can't organize a local protest.
Physical, organised action from local residents. Regardless of where they come from is a must and will work. Pick a day, say a week from today. Pick a time, say 10 AM, make some flyers, pass them out in the area to let locals know what's going on, where and when. Make some placards to take. post the time and place (Governors office) here, put it on facebook and then show up. Rent a bus to take locals, make a day of it, it would be fun.
The trees and Nai Harn can be saved and one person locally can make a difference.
Phuket Wan has always had many who voiced strong action. Now is the time to see if it has any who can take a little action.
Posted by
Martin
on
November 11, 2015 05:09
Editor Comment:
A week from today may be too late. The governor needs to be alerted today. Test the new ombudsman system. Contact 'Phuket Governor' via Facebook.
When first raised a few months ago I thought this was a joke. Now it is happening I am amazed. A Hollywood museum in Phuket, really, why? This would be the most illogical thing I have ever heard. Even the dolphin park, as bad as that is, at least somehow fits an island location (no I do not support it and will not visit it) Hollywood by the Beach, just strange. Wish I was there to help, the thought of one of the great beaches being ruined by this joke really brings sadness.
Posted by
Davemc60
on
November 11, 2015 05:41
Editor Comment:
Tourism and Sport . . . local council on Phuket . . . not a clue about beaches, which is why we believe Phuket needs an independent Phuket Beach Authority.
Perhaps whoever was making money from the illegal restaurants (the restaurants i liked by the way) now has to think of another money maker? ?
However this Hollywood will not get an hurrah from me, its an absurd and ridiculous idea, a scenario thats will make a B picture out of an epic scene !
The money surely would be put to better use enhancing the natural beauty of Nai Harn, but that as we know wont happen will it as there's no money in it.
Posted by
LES
on
November 11, 2015 06:09
I assume it is hard for a person/s not involved in water enjoyment or activity to see the benefit, whether that be social or economic. The islands major drawcard is the beaches and what used to be a relaxed atmosphere. Other industries should be focused to only supplment this and if they provide what visitors want, they should succeed and be financially rewarded.
I cannot imagine anybody going to Phuket with the intention to visit a Hollywood museum given all the other interesting things they can do.
Maybe we are just used to different levels of enjoyment and a museum is considered a safe activity for those who live in controlled environments.
Posted by
MoW
on
November 11, 2015 06:10
Editor Comment:
Only by those who are stark raving mad, MoW.
Are the army aware of this? They did some great things to rid the beaches of corrupt taxi gangs etc. to return the natural beauty of the beaches.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 11, 2015 06:19
Editor Comment:
Please let them know.
Anyone know how to organise an online petition?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 11, 2015 06:52
Editor Comment:
Pointless . . . the trees are earmarked for destruction at any moment.
Why would you want a Hollywood museum in Thailand? I am an American. Most of use would go to Thailand to get away and see the natural beauty. Leave the trees.
Posted by
Elizabeth Barnes
on
November 11, 2015 08:07
Would not have thought of the governor's Facebook page. Already commented. Please everyone with any interest in preserving this beach at least take five seconds to search for the facebook page and make a comment about stopping the destruction of Nai Harn Beach.
Posted by
Martin
on
November 11, 2015 08:27
Another ridiculous idea. We don't want Hollywood here in Naiharn. It's already in Patong with Hard Rock Hooters-PUT the crap with the crap. Don't ruin this lovely area. Utterly STUPID
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 11, 2015 09:19
Why not put this out by the Seashell Mueseum on Wichit Rd.? There is parking and you would not completely screw up the traffic going to the beach. The decimation of the beach is atrocious. Another fine example of greed and contradiction, return the beach to it's natural state? Then take money for this?
Posted by
Robert N. Marley
on
November 11, 2015 10:24
This is unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. To replace two rain of trees with a museum that's worth forty million baht. Even if the development was four hundred m baht and free to the public and dedicated to say marine management it would still be crazy.
Posted by
Mike flynn
on
November 11, 2015 10:30
A Hollywood Museum at Nai Harn Beach ?
whats next ? A Cuckoo Clock Shop at Wat Chalong or a Chriskindl-Market at bang tao ?
Are the politics here gone totally insane ?
Posted by
Oliver
on
November 11, 2015 13:37
As a tourist I cherish a natural beach, Nai Harn is one of the very few left in Phuket. I am not at all interested in a Hollywood museum. After opening a dolphinarium this is the next useless project that makes me look for another area to spend my holidays.
Posted by
Theresia
on
November 11, 2015 16:30
This is an absolutely ridiculous idea. Cutting down 32 trees for a Hollywood Museum at Nai Harn? Belching buses filled with tourists? Hopefully not on our watch. We must unite to stop this!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 11, 2015 17:25
Phuket is turning into a concrete jungle all this so called planning and development is a load of nonsense and all about money.Tourists come to enjoy peace and quiet, nice beaches clean seas a relaxing atmosphere not all this crap. What do we want a Hollywood Museum for ??
Posted by
chris.kenycs3@gmail.com
on
November 11, 2015 17:45
Editor Comment:
The ''museum'' may have more appeal to the tourists who replace you, chris.
Anonymous,
Is there a Hooters in Patong. Do you know the address? Not that I'm interested, just so I know where to avoid.....
being caught.
Posted by
MoW
on
November 11, 2015 18:11
My second post re this situation. The monies have already passed hands, the tour companies have already paid for access to the museum, so I'm afraid it's pretty much a done deal. They'll come in the middle of the night to chop the trees down if necessary.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 11, 2015 19:07
chris.kenycs3 the answer to your question is easy, they want this tacky crap so they can make big bucks from Chinese tourists
Posted by
uranus
on
November 13, 2015 15:15
I would like to see the same response as the Montazure development builds on another shorefront forest in Kamala.
Posted by
Pinot
on
November 14, 2015 21:01
Editor Comment:
If they own the land, nothing can be done, Pinot.
There is a supposed public meeting on this issue to take place tomorrow evening (Friday) at 7:00pm at the Rawai Municipal Office building, located at the far end of Rawai Beach. We are having difficulty in confirming that this meeting will actually take place, but if it is a go it might be one of the last opportunities to express our displeasure at any attempt to alter the grove.
Posted by
Treelover
on
November 19, 2015 18:05
When first raised a few months ago I thought this was a joke. Now it is happening I am amazed. A Hollywood museum in Phuket, really, why? This would be the most illogical thing I have ever heard. Even the dolphin park, as bad as that is, at least somehow fits an island location (no I do not support it and will not visit it) Hollywood by the Beach, just strange. Wish I was there to help, the thought of one of the great beaches being ruined by this joke really brings sadness.
They could have built the absurd and ridiculous Hollywood museum absolutely any where in Phuket..
To build the museum in a treasured tree grove is no accident...
Some one some where hates natural beauty..
To replace treasured natural beauty with a Hollywood illusion really shows where these people heads are at Replacing a natural for a illusion.
Posted by
bob
on
November 20, 2015 03:37
Rawai Municipalty have confirmed that the public hearing will take place this evening (Friday) at 7:30 on the second floor of their office building at the far end of Rawai Beach, just before the sharp left turn toward Cape Promthep, near where they park the garbage trucks.
Posted by
Treelover
on
November 20, 2015 15:33
gee I heard in Hollywood Los Angeles their opening a Phuket Museum ripping out the concrete and installing palm trees
Posted by
slickmelb
on
November 20, 2015 15:57
Editor Comment:
Oh, that's just Joni Mitchell.
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This seriously takes the cake on recent dumb ideas planned for Phuket. I live in Nai Harn, and don't want some crappy "Hollywood Museum" in my neighborhood. Cut the trees and the tourists will come ... seriously doubt it, Khun Aroon.
Posted by Anonymous on November 10, 2015 16:26