First beach on Phuket’s east coast to be cleared tomorrow

PHUKET: The island’s great beach clearing will reach the east coast for the first time tomorrow when 50 municipal officers and navy personnel descend on the small seaside village of Ao Por.

“We officially informed people last week that they had to clear everything off the beach and beachfront,” said Pa Khlok Mayor Panya Sampaorat.

“Yesterday, we repeated the message by loudspeaker to make sure everyone is aware. They must pull down all the structures by the end of today, or we will do it for them tomorrow.”

The buildings belong to local residents, many of them fishermen. The shelters are set up on the sand; on a narrow strip of land above the beach; and on the sidewalk.

“Those who resist removing their things could face charges for encroachment on public land,” Mr Panya said.

— Woranut Pechdee