Umbrella zones pop up on Kata, Karon and Surin beaches

PHUKET: The 10 per cent beach management zone policy first established in Patong (see here) was expanded to Kata, Karon and Surin this week.

“Each local government has already measured and decided where the zones will be,” Vice Governor Chokdee said, as he led a team that was establishing temporary landmarks for the zones.

Two umbrella zones were set up at Kata Beach, two at Kata Noi Beach, five at Karon Beach and one at Karon Noi Beach.

V/Gov Chokdee stressed that tourists will also be able to bring their own umbrellas to use in the 10 per cent zones, while mats and towels can be used anywhere on the beaches.

“At this stage, we have put up temporary markers at each corner of the zones. Local governments will make permanent landmarks in the future,” said V/Gov Chokdee.

The “Kata-Karon Umbrella Vendor Group” will do their best to adhere to the new rules, despite the management plan failing to create an ideal situation, says Manas Yenjit, head of the group.

“At least now the government is trying to help us. Though we cannot have what we had before, we at least have our jobs back,” Mr Manas told the Phuket Gazette.

Though officials have yet to clarify a number of issues with regard to the new regulations, the temporary policies established by former Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong will remain, confirmed V/Gov Chokdee.

Additional reporting by Kritsada Mueanhawong

— Chutharat Plerin