Vehicle rental ban stays – Bhokin
PATONG: Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula is adamant that vehicle rental businesses will be barred from Thaveewong Rd, despite a 300-vehicle rally yesterday by owners of rental businesses opposed to the ban.
Speaking at Provincial Hall this morning, K. Bhokin added that the restoration of Patong Beach would go ahead in line with plans drawn up by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), although he did say that he would consider “case by case” other beachfront businesses.
Beach vendors have also protested against the plan – aimed at “cleaning up” the beach and resort – arguing that it will deprive them of their livelihoods when they are already reeling from the effects of the tsunami.
If businesses did not conflict with the proposed recovery plan, they would be allowed, said K. Bhokin.
“This plan is flexible and can be adjusted,” he said. “There is scope in it for small operators to have their businesses on the beach, such as those who rent out sun beds and sun umbrellas.”
The leader of the vehicle rental protestors, Maitree Sanguanporn, said he and the other motor vehicle renters would wait to see whether the government goes along with K. Bhokin’s assertion.
“If the government confirms the ban, we will discuss our response later,” he said.
K. Bhokin, meanwhile, said that the latest initiative in the government’s attempts to encourage tourists to return to Phuket will be a football match on February 25 between members of the Cabinet and foreign ambassadors to Thailand.
