Government promises beach rule clarity by high season

PHUKET: With Phuket’s high season starting next month, the details of exactly how the beach “management” system on the island will be maintained and implemented remain hazy.

“The beach management system is a very sensitive topic and must be handled with care. There are a great many stakeholders involved, including tourists,” Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat told the Phuket Gazette today. “This is exactly why we must provide absolute clarity about how the system will operate. Additionally, those charged with maintaining the system must strictly enforce the rules.”

V/Gov Chokdee confirmed that everything detailing the 10 per cent beach zone policy would be plainly laid out by November 1.

Earlier this week, it was announced that a four-pronged approach that includes a “consultant” board, a management board, local government representatives and a public relations team would be implemented. However, it was not clarified what each group would be responsible for or how they would work together to create a unified system (story here).

“There are a number of laws and government offices that have jurisdiction over beach matters, which creates a complicated situation. We need to be very careful with how we proceed to ensure that we create a system that is best for Phuket,” V/Gov Chokdee said.

Details of the plan will be discussed for the Thalang District on Monday, while details for the Muang Phuket and Kathu districts will be reviewed on Tuesday.

“If we manage to create a system that takes care of the beach vendors and still impresses tourists with the beauty of our beaches and the convenience of services, then our province can be a model in Thailand,” he said. “However, authorities must ensure the local people follow the rules.”

— Chutharat Plerin