Laguna Phuket launches initiative to help struggling beach vendors

PHUKET: Laguna Phuket has announced the launch of a beach vendor support center to assist those who lost their jobs as a result of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) beach cleanup campaign earlier this year.

The “Local Vendors Support Center” will comprise shops from which vendors and other service providers, including masseuse and tour-desk operators, can continue running their businesses.

“The project will enable villagers to continue making a living, while ensuring our plan complies with government policy,” said Passapong Nantarak, senior assistant vice president of Laguna Resorts & Hotels.

The center will be situated near the beach and the lagoon, between the tsunami-warning tower and Angsana Laguna Phuket, on private land owned by Laguna.

The project is already in its first phase, which means vendors are being allowed to run their businesses temporarily from tents provided by Laguna.

The second phase will see the construction of the shop spaces. The date for phase two has yet to be set.

Though launched in collaboration with provincial authorities, the project’s total cost will be absorbed by Laguna Phuket. The company will set rules to ensure the center’s proper operations and that the vendors comply with the relevant laws.

In addition, Laguna Phuket will establish a taxi center for taxis operating inside Laguna Phuket. The center will provide operators with basic facilities, and two parking spots will be allocated for taxis at each Laguna hotel car park.

Laguna Phuket will provide their taxis with letters certifying them, which will allow them to apply for legal plates and licences.

Mr Prassong said he was delighted that Laguna could give something back to the community.

“Laguna Phuket has been partnering with local communities in various matters to develop its business and to generate income for local operators, as well as to develop a sustainable community,” he said.