Phuket tourism leaders lambast Sydictive new year party for noise, trash

PHUKET: Leading Phuket tourism and hotel figures yesterday personally brought forward a barrage of complaints to the Phuket Governor about the Sydictive Element new year party, citing complaints that noise forced guests to check out early and trash was left strewn along Patong Beach.

The delegation filing the complaint comprised Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) President Ponganun Suwannakarn and PTA Vice President Sarayuth Mallam, along with Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter President Suchart Hirankanokkul.

“We are here today to report the problems to Governor Maitri Inthusuth and to ask that he carefully consider the effect that any similar events in the future might have on Phuket’s tourism image; that he carefully consult with both private and government organizations, weighing the advantages and disadvantages such events might bring to the province,” explained Mr Ponganun.

The delegation cited numerous examples of complaints received from hotel owners, beach vendors and tourists.

“The party was held in the [tourism] high season, when many tourists visit Phuket to celebrate the new year. The guests staying at hotels near the party were disturbed by the loud music and the people from the party. They could not get a good night’s sleep.

“Many of them complained to hotel staff, many of them wrote letters of complaint, and many of them left their hotels before their checkout date because they could not stand the loud music,” Mr Ponganun said.

He also berated the party organizers for not adhering to their agreement in maintaining beach cleanliness, and highlighted the problem of private, pay-for-entry parties being held on public beaches – a chief concern raised by Patong Mayor Pian Keesin before the party was approved.

“When they’d finished their event, they left garbage all along the beach. They weren’t even concerned about cleaning it up. Many tourists filed complaints to us about how filthy the beach was after the party,” Mr Ponganun said.

“Now Patong beach is filthy, full of garbage and flies,” he added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong