New Kathu District Chief vows to continue beach free-zone project

PHUKET: The new Kathu District Chief vowed today to pick up the reins of the Patong “beach clear” zone, which was set in motion by former Kathu chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol.

In July Mr Veera requested that the Patong Municipality clear all vendors – including sun bed operators – from a large section of Patong Beach (story here). Mr Veera’s parting wish for Phuket after receiving an “urgent transfer” out of the province in October was that the “incoming District Chief keep pushing for the beach clear zone in Patong”.

Mr Veera’s replacement, Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong, explained to the Phuket Gazette that he had been briefed on all the projects in motion within the district to ensure a smooth mid-term transition (story here).

“Some of the projects might take some time to study, but others we can pick up immediately where Mr Veera left off,” Mr Sayan said.

“I am continuing the push for the Patong beach clear zone. Additionally, we are working on managing taxi ranks, parking areas, sun bed operators and jet-ski operators,” he said.

Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut, Patong Police, Department of Special Investigations (DSI) and Patong Municipality are all participating in the project.

“This is all being done in accordance with the Governor’s plan to improve Patong and make it more livable,” he added.

— Saran Mitrarat