Phuket beach wedding nightmare as couple’s plans bounced

PHUKET: There are no solutions for a distraught wedding couple who already booked everything for a beach wedding before discovering through a Phuket Gazette story (click here) that such ceremonies were banned on the island, confirmed Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosutthirak.

“We’ve a small beach wedding planned for the end of March. When we paid deposits three weeks ago, nobody warned us,” wrote the Gazette reader, who asked to be known only as “Polly”.

“We even went to the beaches and there were no signs whatsoever! Why do I need to find it out from a random article that we are banned? Now what can we do?

“Hotel booked, family flying in, photographer booked. Is there any way to get a permit for Bang Tao Beach for that 20-minute ceremony with eight people? Who should we turn to?”

Polly went on to explain that she and her fiance had been travelling Southeast Asia for a few months in search of a location that was most suitable for their needs. She noted that they had settled on Thailand because of its renowned Thai hospitality, and Phuket because it was easily accessible for her elderly parents.

Siri Yokthong, vice president of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor), originally told the Gazette that perhaps a “quiet” wedding on the beach would be acceptable.

However, he later withdrew the statement after confirming with Vice Governor Somkiet that the no beach wedding rule would be strictly enforced.

“There are no exceptions. It is true that in the past Phuket’s beaches were often used for wedding ceremonies. However, our policy has changed,” V/Gov Somkiet said.

The vice governor did point out that there was some compromise, as those wanting to take wedding photos on the beach were still allowed to do so.

— Voratuss Intasee