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Patong Battle of the Beach Brollies
By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison Sunday, November 16, 2014
PHUKET: No decision has been made to restore large-scale use of umbrellas to Phuket's beaches, Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtadav told Phuketwan today.
''I don't know about that,'' he said. ''Ask the mayors.''
According to Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub, umbrellas have been discussed as part of the potential zoning of beaches to keep dangerous jet-skis isolated and protect swimmers.
''We are looking at a range of issues, including umbrellas,'' she said today.
''One item under discussion is possibly restoring umbrellas in zones at the same time that we zone Patong to keep jet-skis away from swimmers.''
The best beaches in the world remain free from umbrellas - and free from jet-skis.
A decision by the National Council for Peace and Order to clear the commercialism that was killing Phuket's beaches has the sands looking perfect for the Asian Beach Games.
Any move to restore beach umbrellas in zones would be a compromise that would inevitably lead to corruption and illegal commerce.
Just why police are stopping people from bringing their own umbrellas to some Phuket beaches but not others should be investigated.
Officers appear to be more rigorous in enforcing their view of what should be allowed on the beach than stopping motorcyclists from using footpaths or vendors who are slyly setting up shop where they can.
Zoning for umbrellas would quickly become a joke.
The most avid beachgoers in the world bring their own brollies where it's considered necessary. Phuket should adopt the same standard as the world's best beaches.
The tendency to compromise has been Phuket's downfall many times.
It's a simple equation. Conflict leads to Compromise which leads to Commerce and then to Corruption.
Self-interest is the key to this conflict, aided by some unusually active police.
If Phuket wishes to have AAA standard beaches, the four Cs should be quickly rejected, and so should the concept of a return of umbrellas.
Those who want shade should be allowed to bring their own brollies, as they do at top beaches in other countries.
Mayor Chalermlak said today that no decision is likely to be made until after the beach games end.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
instead of umbrellas why not use the fold up domes we use in oz ? one of the old vendors should be making them now for sale and sell the advt space on each one ..they are small , light weight and totally portable , sell them to the tourists to take home ... no rentals just sales...
Posted by
chris
on
November 16, 2014 11:20
The police have clearly shown that the sun has definately gone to their heads and fried what little brain they had!!
Posted by
Mr Wolf
on
November 16, 2014 11:22
What is wrong with the Mayors? They cannot make a decision on a simple item such as allowing tourists to bring their own umbrellas for shade 'until the beach games end'! A little bit of thought or sensible discussion is hardly multi tasking. They are fast becoming the laughing stock of the world.
Posted by
Logic
on
November 16, 2014 11:59
We buy air ticket for stay in Phuket from 10/11 to 21/3/15 but if chairs and umbrellas not com for end of november we go away because we are old people and we can't stay on the sand. Tank you Thailand
Posted by
Gigi
on
November 16, 2014 12:09
ALL the tourists in my bar are complaining about the lack of comfort and sun protection on the beaches, mr editor, no matter what you might think.
"The mayors" need to get their arses into gear and start thinking about how to properly regulate the beaches without the need for corrupt payments. And QUICKLY. High Season is here. The tourists want to be able to sit on the beaches all day without severe risk to their health. They haven't come thousands of miles to be told if they want shade they all have to gather at the treeline.
Posted by
jimbo34
on
November 16, 2014 12:59
Editor Comment:
The days of the lotus-eating layabouts are over, jimbo34. And a good thing that is for Thailand and the future of Phuket as a destination that balances tourism with nature. Giving tourists what they want has never been the aim. If that was the case, you'd be charging a whole lot less per drink.
"The days of the lotus-eating layabouts are over". Been down to the beach lately Mr Ed- the parasail and jestki lotus eaters are still there.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
November 16, 2014 13:10
No beach in the world will stop a private citizen from taking an umbrella down to the beach to protect himself and family from the sun... what planet are these people from??
Posted by
DG
on
November 16, 2014 13:12
A beach like Patong Beach is not some place of undisturbed beautiful nature. It is a strip of sand with more or less ugly constructions in the background.
A few rows of sunbeds with umbrellas make such a beach look more relaxing for people, who want to relax on the beachfront.
Besides it is a fact, that there is a great demand for the sunbeds and that a town like Patong will suffer if that demand is not fulfilled.
Of cause there may be a risk for corruption in reestablishing the sunbeds, but is that different from many other types of business here?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 16, 2014 13:53
Editor Comment:
Guesthouses and some resorts are doubtless helping to apply pressure, Sherlock, to bring back the sunbeds. I suspect the people who ''won't come without sunbeds'' will quickly change their minds or be replaced by others who enjoy the beautiful beaches, almost the way nature intended. ''A few rows of sunbeds'' is not possible. As you know, those one or two rows quickly became the whole beach, to be followed by entrepreneurs taking over the beach for their clubs and restaurants. Does Phuket want to go that path again? Let's hope not. Compromise leads to Commercialisation, then Corruption. And that's where tourism ends.
Double standards come to mind. Meanwhile it's business as usual for jet-skis, and tourists are wondering what is going on with the beaches. Complaints are pouring in as the high season begins, and for many, they have no protection against the glaring sun, especially if your from a moderate climate. All I see this will do a lot of damage to Thailand (once again). Of course, If they can't sort out the beaches, what hope is there for the rest of the country ?
Posted by
reader
on
November 16, 2014 14:24
A good article. Phuket needs to go forwards... not keep looking at a decision made and how they can undo it. Phuket is always labelled as "world class". Time to live up to the marketing and show some leadership on tough decisions. Look to the future... not the now!
Posted by
Duncan
on
November 16, 2014 14:24
There is nothing beautiful nature created on a beach, with constructions directly in the background. The sun beds hide this man made ugliness, and makes such a beach appear, as the relaxing place it should be.
Yes guesthouses, resorts, hotels, bars, restaurants and even some local newspapers which understand, who feed all the population on the west coast of Phuket, included the advertiser's of this page, help to apply pressure for a limited amount of sun beds, and that is quite understandable.
Can a total ban be controlled, then I see no reason for a that few rows of chairs can't be administrated.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 16, 2014 14:29
Editor Comment:
Patong beach is fine and it would be even better if local businesspeople took care of their waste disposal systems. The pressure now being applied is all about self-interest and money. The government has acted out of principle. Most right-thinking people can see the benefit that delivers for tourism and future generations of Thais. Only the greedy and self-interested are blinded by the color of money, as always.
Now, make it clear here! Cut the thai crab. Who is in charge of the Phuket beaches? Who did dictate and had the pwer to get away of the chairs and umbrellas? Why this authority not handle jet skies/parasail boats>>?? Tel me noow, cut the crab. Inform honestly what is going on! Asian Games, no jet skies, after Asian games jet skies again!!! Say it, speak out! Who is in charge of this corrupted matter! If not able to tell, than I tell YOU! Before X-mas all will be back to what it was before NCPO started so freshly, but from beginning not about serious matters on Phuket!
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 16, 2014 15:09
Banning tourists from bringing their own umbrellas to beaches is part of the drive to return the beaches to how nature intended them. I look forward to the day when all the beaches are populated by naked people with no articles purchased privately to cover their tender spots from the sun - apart from the jet skis, of course! Ridiculous? Of course, it is. Illogical? Of course it is? Illegal (the umbrellas)???????
Posted by
Alan
on
November 16, 2014 15:17
I would say, there is no battle any longer. Thai face keeping, in just less than 4 weeks things will be like it was before. Tourist were terrorized when bringing own umbrella. All this show how Phuket mafia works to come back to previous.!!!
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 16, 2014 15:19
"Compromise leads to Commercialisation, then Corruption": this is a ridiculous statement as everything in human's life is compromise, every law, every action, so fight the corruption rather than the compromise and you would be a step further
Posted by
xx
on
November 16, 2014 15:34
Jimbo you coyuld have a nicce sideline there in your bar selling beach mats and cheap umbrellas you can pick up in supercheap
Posted by
Michael
on
November 16, 2014 15:36
So Mr Editor I am a lotus eating layabout now. What about the money I have given to your local businesses over the last 15 years. You are kidding if you think Phuket will replace the lotus eaters with other non lotus eater tourists. Don' t you get it, Phuket is not a place people come to for Eco tourism, they come for the fun, the nightlife and beaches to relax on. We will be back in December, but maybe for the last time especially if everyone on Phuket has your outlook.
Dave from Brisbane
Posted by
Dave from Brisbane
on
November 16, 2014 16:01
Editor Comment:
What about the money you have given to local businesses over 15 years. Are you seeking a refund? That's a total irrelevance. This is not about money but about saving what's left of Patong's natural assets for future generations of Thais to enjoy. Get it? Perhaps you need to learn a little from the Brisbane G20 about those people who have derived unlimited benefits from their rapacious approach to the world now giving something back. Oh, sorry. You're from Queensland. That's never going to happen.
And the G20 leaders could tell you about supply and demand, or more rightly, demand and supply. If the authorities think they can put out one or two rows of sunbeds and that will be it, they have rocks in their heads. The problem was created by just that kind of thinking. When people fight over the sunbeds, there will be a third row, then a fourth . . . and before you know it, the beach will be covered again with lotus-eating layabouts. Nothing wrong with lotus-eating layabouts, but the beaches are better off without them.
Since I live in Phuket, I get a lots of questions all the time from friends and friends of friends in Scandinavia who are worried about the rumor of no umbrellas and sundbeds on Phuket beaches.
They are asking if it is truth and are saying that if there is no umbrellas and sunbeds, they will go somewhere else instead of coming to Phuket.
Some of them have been here with their families every season for many years.
They get more negative and surprised when they hear that sunbeds and umbrellas are prohibited but jetskis and parasailing speedboats are still active and in full business imposing danger, polution, all lots of noice and scams to beachgoers.
Posted by
PhuketFriendly
on
November 16, 2014 16:43
I understood that it was "Commercial" activities (Jetski and Parasail excepted),that were banned from beaches under current regulation.
Bringing your own umbrella certainly falls short of this directive and anyone disallowing it, is showing wrongful enforcement and even dereliction of duty.
The offending officers should be taken to task.
Posted by
Hugh Jarse
on
November 16, 2014 17:02
@ michael
Good idea. The trouble is i'd spend the next night handing back refunds because the customers weren't allowed to use their umbrellas on the beach!
Editor: you're way out of line believing all these people wanting shade and comfort on the beach are "lotus eating layabouts".
The way forward would be for the mayors to organise the sunbeds and umbrellas to be of benefit to EVERYBODY. i.e. regulated properly, and the proceeds to provide for beach cleaning each evening whilst at the same time satisfying the demands of the thousands of tourists that spend a great deal of money coming to this island to enjoy the beaches and everything else we have on offer.
Posted by
jimbo34
on
November 16, 2014 17:03
Editor Comment:
Nonsense. One row or two rows of sunbeds would be ridiculous. As I've just said, it's all about demand and supply and the beaches became covered in sunbeds because everybody wanted one. Put one sunbed on the beach and that will be followed by two, three, four . . . until the beaches are all covered again. As always, jimbo34, your argument is all about the money. Clearing the beaches is all about getting rid of the money.
Yes of course its all about the money, doh! The tourists spend a great deal of it coming here and support the entire island's economy, including this online publication.
You seem to be advocating closing the whole place down and letting the jungle retake the place. That's not going to happen. And its a vast source of income for the Kingdom, and thousands of its inhabitants.
Progress can be properly regulated if only the authorities would get their lazy arses into action.
There's nothing wrong with rows of sunbeds if they're neatly stacked away at night and the beach cleaned. The money would/could provide for a proper lifeguard system too.
Get with the program, Mr Editor, this is a tourist destination, and the tourists WANT comfort and shade on the long wide beaches of Phuket.
This is not some remote archipelago stuck somewhere nobody can get to, its a popular destination with its own international airport and vital to Thailand's tourism industry. Shutting it down and "returning it to nature" isn't going to help anybody.
Posted by
jimbo34
on
November 16, 2014 17:39
Editor Comment:
We've never had any support from sunbed operators. Nor have the lifeguards. One suspects that the inland revenue department probably has also missed out. Your support for the sunbed operators is heartwarming, but totally misplaced - and entirely based on self-interest. Early feedback indicates more tourists are coming than ever, and the noisy minority making a fuss will not be missed. Just like those sunbeds.
I have been here for 18 years. I have seen the changes. I have seen the people change. I have seen their smiles change. I still see their theets but it's empty behind. The last ten years i have spent 600000-700000 B every year.
Tis is my ladt year here, sure!
Posted by
J
on
November 16, 2014 18:04
The only reason why tourists are not allowed to bring their own umbrellas onto the beach, is because the locals don't make any money out of it!
In Phuket, the mantra seems to be 'me, me, me, money, money, money'.
IMHO, the combination of greedy locals and incompetent government officials has already sounded the death knell for the tourism sector in Phuket.
Simon
Posted by
Simon Luttrell
on
November 16, 2014 19:59
All this stories, on and on again. For a decade I have read them.
It is simple as this dear politicians or who ever involved.
Just ban Jet-skies!!! They are a scam business. NO, absoloutely no one needs them, understnadable.
Besides they are environmental disasters.
They are dangerous to all in the water, including the drivers.
How can one let people without driving license drive these fast moving "boats"? Who is responsible for all killed and injured during the years. Yeas, you all politicians.Got some benefits?
Next, umbrellas. Yes we know a market price for 100 meter of selling on the beach costs millions of Baht! Who benefits, dear politicians.
So right now, umbrellas are out, why in the ...., not let people bring their own?
Ok, understand, no benefit.
Is there no talent Thai to solve all these simple things, right now, before high season starts. And as mentioned, all over the world, there are top class beaches, without Jet skies and with private umbrellas possible to use. Actually umbrellas, protects against skin cancer, if some politicians heard of that?
Posted by
cliwe
on
November 16, 2014 20:07
Editor Comment:
Large-brimmed hats and sunscreen lotion also protect against skin cancer.
sunbeds and Ambrella need to get back on the beaches, often in a regulated manner
But remember we are traveling from Scandinavia and enjoy the sun and heat, it is not possible for us and lie on the beach without protection .All that is on the beach is 20 years + we are from 50 and up
I think Thailand would lose money and not reintroduce this
You can check with the travel companys and check!
Many book about the ticket for and travel to other destinations!
SCANDINAVIANS TRAVEL NOT TO LONG-TERM HOLIDAY TO THAILAND FOR AND LIE ON ONE TOWEL ON THE BEACH !!!
Posted by
OT
on
November 16, 2014 20:57
Ed. I travel to Phuket in January, then I hope you have the opportunity to come visit me at the beach. Then we can sit together for 5 -6 hours in the sun. I do not think you know what it means to sit in the sun so long without protection. When I read your answers on this site so it seems like you are living on another planet with no contact with reality. Do you really think that there will be other tourists who come just for the pure pretty beach? Is there no umbrellas in high season 2015, so I guarantee phuket will notice a big drop in tourists in 2016. The tourists come to enjoy the beach. Me included.
Posted by
Thaitourist
on
November 16, 2014 21:04
Editor Comment:
Who would want to spend five or six hours sitting on a beach? The planet has changed and people, with the possible exception of a few hedonists, now understand the importance of striking a balance with nature.
" Early feedback indicates more tourists are coming than ever "
I find airline ticket prices a very good indicator of how their load factor target is being met.
Thai Airways has a domestic promotion until end of this month BKK-HKT vv. Bt 1900 all incl. For a couple of weeks I was looking at December flights and such promotional prices were unavailable. Bt 3015 was cheapest.
Suddenly a couple of days ago TG introduced the promotional price for every day in December. They did not amend the promotional campaign though, just the prices shown by their search engine.
To have such low prices on the presumably busiest dates of the year - DEC 15th to JAN 7th surely says something about how well they have been able to fill the flights in and out of Phuket.
This is naturally just a small piece of the pie but I can't put it together with the positive spin so many are trying to put on the upcoming high season.
Maybe it's just me.
Posted by
Herbert
on
November 16, 2014 21:28
Editor Comment:
Tourism to Bangkok may be down, as has been widely reported.
If Jet-skis and Para sailing will be allowed. Why so DIFFICULT to divide the beaches in different Zones.
I actually not get this.
In my opinion both of them should be banned. No Need keep the beaches in a Natural State.
Posted by
Mj
on
November 16, 2014 21:37
" Early feedback indicates more tourists are coming than ever," - as you are very fond of saying "Source, please." The proof will not be until this time next year when those unsuspecting tourists whose expectations of what they thought they would find or what they are used to finding are replaced by the "new vision". This is only a guess but I would guess that the majority of visitors are blissfully unaware of the changes that have taken place. Will they, won't they return? Will they, won't they share your rosy view of Thailand in general and Phuket in particular? Will they stomach the hypocricy of banning sunbeds and umbrellas (Note: this is not in any way to imply support for the illegal operators as there is none from me), including if this latest idiocy of not being able to bring their own is verified as being legally enforeable, whilst allowing the deplorable jet ski farce to continue or vote with their wallets and take their custom elsewhere? Of course, if you really want Phuket to be returned to the people, the Thai people, of Phuket then perhaps you could explain your vision of a Phuket that balances tourism with nature and which provides those people with a sustainable and corruption free future.
Posted by
Alan
on
November 16, 2014 21:50
Editor Comment:
The world's top beaches all get by without sunbeds. The shame is that the problem has been allowed to grow over so many years, with hedonist tourists providing the instant market for illicit beach traders, using the public space for private profit. If the authorities do not have the nerve, chaos will return quickly. At Surin, it was evident that the next move would have been wooden platform stretching down to the water's edge. The beaches should be for everyone to enjoy, not just those who buy sunbeds. It's plain from those who have seen the ''new'' beaches where public preference lies for public beaches. As for the money, that's something only the greedy and self-interested are worrying about.
@jimbo34
There were no sunbeds on La Digue is. at Anse Source d'Argent beach on Seychelles.
Otherwise it would never be "most photographed beach in the world".
Banyan Tree Seychelles on Mahu is. has sunbeds only by the pool, but no on the adjacent private beach.
AFAIK there is no sunbeds on North is., Seychelles, but I haven't been there myself.
There are no sunbeds at Point Eleuthera/Lighthouse beach, Eleuthera is., Bahamas, that I consider the most nicest beach I ever seen.
(see the current avatar)
Yes, there are few sunbeds at Cape Sante Maria beach on Long is., Bahamas, at the resort, but there is 2000ppl for 120km long Long Island, and very few tourists, so there are no associated risks.
At Moru Auira, Maupiti is., French Polynesia, no sunbeds as well - this one adjacent in Auira lagoon, that I think is most perfect lagoon in the world for wading.
Posted by
Sue
on
November 16, 2014 22:14
"beaches became covered in sunbeds because everybody wanted one."
I think that is the best argument for having sunbeds. Maybe the best way to settle the issue is to put it up for a vote. Let the people decide the fate of the beaches. Democracy is a wonderful alternative.
Posted by
Vegas
on
November 16, 2014 23:26
Editor Comment:
There is no argument for having sunbeds on a public beach. Phuket's beaches look great now and are being enjoyed by a new generation, unused to the indolence of the past. As you know, what the majority wants is not relevant. Put to the vote, there would be no taxes.
In total agreement with you ed. I've been visiting since 85 - if I'm too hot I leave the beach, have a swim, etc -or buy an umbrella / chair and when you leave pass it on to someone who has just arrived -still cheaper than renting every day.
Posted by
Beach lover
on
November 17, 2014 00:18
Auira lagoon description from Lonely planet:
"Tereia Beach
A more enchanting spot you'd be hard pressed
to find. Fringed by a sparkling turquoise lagoon
and backed by willowy palm trees, Tereia
Beach is undisputedly the most beautiful spot
on the island. The lagoon is shallow, warm
and crystal clear, and the bone-white beach
is nearly all sand (no smashed coral or broken
rock). THERE ARE NO FACILITIES OR VENDORS HERE,
just sand and sun. If you're with your
sweetheart, come here at sunset; as the sunset
sky deepens to orange, the spot becomes
downright romantic.
From Tereia Beach it's easy to wade across
the lagoon to Motu Auira during low tide."
http://goo.gl/HUF8U1
Posted by
Sue
on
November 17, 2014 01:10
...and what such hats on a beach?
Dai, Mai?
or Mai Dai?
http://goo.gl/E9TCJr
Posted by
Sue
on
November 17, 2014 02:00
" buy an umbrella / chair and when you leave pass it on to someone who has just arrived -still cheaper than renting every day."
- just two problems with that:
1) The over zealous Thai Police, seemingly supported by the Phuket Vice-Governor, has deemed that it is illegal for tourists to bring their own personal property in the shape of umbrellas on the beach. Presumably that applies to sun beds also. What about ice boxes containing their own food and drinks? Their own beach mats?
2) Our much revered Editor doesn't want any hedonists or lotus eaters or anyone who uses such life saving devices as sun shades to be on the beaches at all!
Posted by
Alan
on
November 17, 2014 04:50
Editor Comment:
You have the capacity to read what's not there, Alan. Governors and vice governors have no control over police, and hedonists and lotus eaters are welcome on the beaches. Sunbeds and private profiteers are not welcome. ''Lifesavers'' usually have legs and wear red and yellow shorts.
if these changes stay in place people will not come back to patong ,we have been 10 times and love going on the beach this will be our last time what a shame. we made so many friends
Posted by
robert
on
November 17, 2014 05:29
Editor Comment:
A sunbed has nothing to do with friendship, robert.
It seems this argument will never end. We all enjoyed laying on a bed with an umbrella but times have changed. Everyone seems to thing they will be back. It will take a long time for expectations to change, every promotional photo on hotel websites and travel sites show rows of bright umbrellas and beds. Until these are all gone and a year or two passes the expectation will be there. Must be quite a shock for someone looking at a brochure and dreaming of laying on a beach on a bed to turn up to nothing. Whether they enjoy it or not remains to be seen. My major concern when at Patong in September, and remaining, is the cleanliness of the beach. The amount of rubbish on the beach, and in the waterways generally is the major turn off for tourists I spoke to.
Posted by
DaveMc60
on
November 17, 2014 06:00
Editor Comment:
Everything looked close to perfect for the Asian Beach Games. Council workers picked Patong clean of rubbish.
Having spent all my life living on the coast of Australia and being a surfer it was always disheartening to come to Phuket and see the beach overrun with jetskis , sunbeds and garbage. But this time it was nice to see the open sand especially in the mornings and at sunset , until of course a jetski or parasail boat ripped past . But at the same time i know the importance of being able to shelter from the sun . For me i can see a need for sunbeds and umbrellas , but say , only 2 or 3 rows and only between 10 am and 4 pm. Allowing more room on the beach for people who dont want to use them and mornings and evenings for people to see and use the beaches in their natural state .
The trouble i see is regulation. Vendors and people looking to make a baht from tourists will always push the limits and with no one around to enforce those limits , chaos and corruption ensues. They need people with the power to enforce regulations , on site , all the time . Beach patrols , issuing infringement notices to those who flaunt the rules,......oh,...who am i kidding.....its a circus and i pay every year to watch it, but i try not to get involved in its parade of clowns.
Two things though , after reading some time ago the story about the possibility of increasing crime due to a lack of jobs on the beaches , i was , for the first time in about 15 trips a victim of crime , having my bike broken into at Nai Harn and phone, money and shorts stolen. I know who it was, a bunch of young guys who quite possibly may have had jobs before , but who knows. The other thing is that people always say that , people will stop coming because of this or that , but i dont think so , some may go elsewhere, but the airport and the arrival hall is still crammed every time i come. I think it would take another natural disaster for people to stop coming,....but then, only temporarily.
Posted by
carvets
on
November 17, 2014 06:14
dave so glad to hear it could be your last time in phuket.as they say people move to queensland to retire and die
Posted by
bondi
on
November 17, 2014 09:34
I thought jet skis were banned on all Phuket beaches for the duration on the Beach Games, there must be 2 dozen on Bang Tao beach in the water and on the sand, the operators are sitting in the shade under their own umbrellas, obviously the ban on using your own umbrella applies only to tourists
Posted by
Shwe
on
November 17, 2014 11:53
Maybe the editor needs to go for a stroll down some of the beaches,if he thinks the tourist season has started.And find an optometrist and get your eyes checked.
The place is empty ask some of the hotels.They have no tourists
Posted by
shame
on
November 17, 2014 13:14
Editor Comment:
To say all hotels have ''no tourists'' is an indication either of your poor eyesight or your poor research. Arrivals through the airport are up on last year. Perhaps some resorts haven't done their marketing. I stroll plenty of beaches, and my eyesight is fine.
"Fringed by a sparkling turquoise lagoon and backed by willowy palm trees"
A commercial for the big beaches here could be:
"Fringed by a noisy road and backed by various constructions"
Big beach destinations on Phuket generally don't attract nature lovers, they attract the people, who have expressed their needs for a good holiday in the comments of this article.
There are lot of small beaches on this island which do, but they don't pay the rice for the entire population on Phuket's west coast.
Claiming that the local people are too greedy, so just let them starve, won't help anybody.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 17, 2014 13:17
Editor Comment:
There are plenty of good beaches with urban settings behind them, Sherlock. Perhaps you need to travel more. Phuket has plenty to offer yet. Doomsayers who only see the negatives, not positives, are unlikely to be part of the future.
I realize that you are never on the beach Ed. In fact, there are many tourists on the beach 4-5 hours each day. You seem fanatically against the tourists feel good on the beach. Do you think that people are just going to travel around to see the wonderful country? A lot of people come to spend the day at the beach, but you do not understand it.
Posted by
Thaitourist
on
November 17, 2014 14:30
Editor Comment:
It's been years since I gave up being a lotus-eating layabout, Thaitourist, that much is true. But I regularly walk the most significant Phuket beaches from end to end because PW and our readers need to know what's happening. I just don't flop on a sunbed and pretend I know everything. The vast majority of people - and I include the Thai people to whom the beaches belong - think the beaches look great without sunbeds. A noisy few lotus-eating layabouts disagree.
Editor wrote: "A noisy few lotus-eating layabouts disagree."
Mr. Editor: you are shaping your own world. When the few noisy lotus eaters get to loud or to good with their arguments, you just ban them from this forumhere. I'd call it censorship, or can you tell me why you didn't publish my mail from Friday, 14th?
For somebody who fights for the freedom of press you are very quick with censoring others in this forum?
I brought the topic about the umbrellas and the vice governor, which I read in the Phuket Gazette, but you felt free, to not release it here. This is inacceptable. You behave like a despot and are claiming freedom for the press? This is ridiculous.
Posted by
Bregoulou
on
November 17, 2014 16:57
Editor Comment:
We seldom publish information from rival news sources because all alleged facts needs to be checked and verified by our own staff, Breoulou. When Ford Starts mentioning General Motors in its media releases, you can expect the Phuket Gazette to mention Phuketwan.
The vice governor, incidentally, said quite different things to PW.
By the way, anonymous comments have nothing to do with the freedom of the media.
When you start using your real name, then you might be treated seriously.
"The vast majority of people etc..." , is that a fact? Have never met one or seen a comment from one, but perhaps somebody is able to prove this claim. Local people don't spend their days at the beach, they work in daytime, as long as they have work. But many will probably have time for enjoying the sight of abandoned natural beaches in the future.
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 17, 2014 17:33
Editor Comment:
Everyone who walks along the foreshore at Patong or Kamala or Nai Harn or Surin or Nai Yang is impressed with the splendor of the beaches, for all to see for the first time since about 2008. Phuket's administrators would be foolish to let a selfish few ruin these assets all over again. Apart from a few doomsayers with their heads in the sand, eyesores as always, the beaches look fantastic.
Editor Comment:
Nonsense. One row or two rows of sunbeds would be ridiculous. As I've just said, it's all about demand and supply and the beaches became covered in sunbeds because everybody wanted one. Put one sunbed on the beach and that will be followed by two, three, four . . . until the beaches are all covered again.
Good I hope Patong Beach is covered in sunbeds and umbrellas 10 rows thick from one end of the beach to the other.
I want to sit on my fat ass and be served food and drinks all day long.
I want lots of foot and back massages
while relaxing on my sunbed..
Any eco nature lovers can just go some where else and leave Patong Beach to those of us (the majority) that love crass commercialism.
In all its forums...
I have no to plans to ever change
the lifestyle I like...
Posted by
Stan
on
November 17, 2014 19:57
Editor Comment:
What a pity it's not your country, Stan.
For those complaining about the lack of sun-protection, may I suggest Santa Claus hats? They are now on sale just for 8(EIGHT) THB per piece, so one can acquire a stock to last for the whole holiday duration :
It perfectly covers a scalp!
Both of men and women, kids and grandmas!
Good for wearing both on the beach and during a bathing in the sea, as well as taking a walk along the streets of Phuket!
Need not to be removed on sunset.
Posted by
Sue
on
November 17, 2014 20:03
Editor How dare you call us slackers who have holidayed in Phuket and bring money in Thailand
Posted by
arturo
on
November 17, 2014 20:09
Editor Comment:
I don't think I called anyone a ''slacker,'' arturo. Could your guilty feelings be showing? .
It would appear that Lotophagism will soon be another myth. Time will tell and be determined by how much sand falls between the cracks.
Posted by
Manowar
on
November 17, 2014 20:15
I have been holidaying in Phuket for the past 12 years. I was shocked to learn about the new measures taken on phukets beaches but understand and respect the Thais reasons. I researched and learned I could purchase my own beach equipment before leaving the UK which my husband and I have done to enable us to enjoy the Thai beaches as we like to. I am however very angry now to learn after taking advice from forums, Thai experts online etc that we can no long bring our umbrellas chairs etc. we have gone to the expense to continue with our Thai trip but are now very seriously thinking of holidaying elsewhere in Asia. poor Thailand I will miss you so much but your have spoiled yourself.
Posted by
Pinny
on
November 17, 2014 22:04
Editor Comment:
I doubt that byo umbrellas are banned and we have yet to speak to any official of police officer who supports the idea. Unfortunately there's a deal of misinformation. Give it a couple of days and we will attempt to find out precisely what's permissible.
Just moved on to Khao Lak. No umbrellas, no jet-skis, no parasails - and everybody is happy.
Posted by
Jakub
on
November 17, 2014 22:33
Sue,
" Both of men and women..."
Sounds like they were made with you in mind and
at just 8 Baht you could buy one for both of you.
Posted by
Manowar
on
November 18, 2014 03:46
Being just another of hundreds of politically,influentially impotent farang expats,it appears that Phuket has indeed become a lost cause.
If ever our Ed' ever gets past the Thai Navy's witch hunt perhaps he will relocate to Krabi...seems a much better "tourist & news" destination? Suggestions for the renaming of PW anyone?
Posted by
david
on
November 18, 2014 09:29
Editor Comment:
You're a hopeless Doomsayer, david. How do you manage to get out of bed every morning? Aren't you afraid the floorboards will part and you'll plummet straight through to your death? Or maybe it's the thought that the sheets are about to strangle you that helps you make it to the keyboard, more's the pity.
The phuket gazette has confirmed that tourists cannot bring their own brollies. Thanks very much for my added expense purchasing beach brollies etc to make my holiday somewhat comfortable on the beach only to be now be told this. Anyone one want to buy my holday to phuket cause I really don't want to go anymore.
Posted by
Piny
on
November 18, 2014 23:16
Editor Comment:
You mean, ''the PG has reported that tourists cannot bring their own brollies.'' Totally wrong.
We can confirm that there is no law stopping tourists from bringing their own umbrellas to any Phuket beach. But you can't try to rent one.
This lotus eared layabout has voted with her feet and has taken her considerable spending opportunities elsewhere ! (Sadly) been coming to Thailand since 2002 but won't be back unless things change and common sense once again prevails BRING BACK OUR BEDS N BROLLIES
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 19, 2014 05:48
Conflict leads to compromise leads to corruption. Sounds brilliant as people get skin cancer from direct prolonged exposure to the sun. Just because you cant trust the local people from being corrupt, tourists should suffer the risk of cancer. Long lives the sunbed & umbrella. I am quite happy with the price for comfort as a layabout "lotus eating" of course. Seems like the sun and the local ignorance is seriously impeding rational thought. You can say what you want ED, the world is driven by demand and supply. If Thailand (which we love) dont supply, tourists will take their demand elsewhere.By the time one sees the result of the strategy, its too late to change it.enjoy the long empty beaches. Its likely to be like that in the future.
Posted by
Paul
on
November 20, 2014 00:22
Editor Comment:
Thailand has the chance to start again on the beaches by making judgements on principle, not profit. That's a great sign. Most of the people using the sunbeds every day are there to get a tan, so nothing you say about protection makes sense. Broad-brimmed hats and sunscreen cream work everywhere else in the world. Thailand would be not different.
anonymous hope your gone for good we dont need you 14year blowins in phuket anyway guess thats why you use this name.bye-bye
Posted by
bondi
on
November 20, 2014 14:33
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instead of umbrellas why not use the fold up domes we use in oz ? one of the old vendors should be making them now for sale and sell the advt space on each one ..they are small , light weight and totally portable , sell them to the tourists to take home ... no rentals just sales...
Posted by chris on November 16, 2014 11:20