Phuket beach vendors file complaints over cleanup campaign

PHUKET: Kamala beach operators had until 4pm yesterday to file complaints at the Kathu District Office about the effects that the Army-ordered Phuket beach cleanup campaign has had on their livelihoods.

At least 40 beach vendors, including umbrella and beach chair operators, restaurant operators and drink vendors, registered their complaints, Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong told the Phuket Gazette.

“We started accepting complaints from beach operators at Kamala from 9am Monday,” he said, adding that the goal was to determine how many people in his district had been affected by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) order to clean up Phuket’s beaches.

“We want to know what they want the NCPO to do to help them. After we have received all the complaints, we will pass them on to the military,” Mr Sayan said.

“All of the vendors have begged to know when the cleanups will be finished, and how the NCPO plans to help them find a way to make a living again.”

Starting yesterday at 9am, vendors at Patong Beach have been able to do the same.

“Patong beach business operators can file their complaints between 9am and 4pm from today until Friday,” said Chief Sayan.

— Woranut Pechdee