The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume their trade under the sun.

 

The petition was formally presented to Governor Sophon at the Provincial Hall on November 10. Led by their representative, Phusita Massuwan, the group is fighting against the policies that are currently in place. As it stands, only a select group of vendors have been permitted to operate within the 10% zone, an area designated for beach-side services. This has left many, including the Multi-Coloured Umbrella Group, without a means of income.

 

The petition submitted by the group highlighted nine key issues, with the most significant being the need for the establishment of their umbrella vendor group. They claim that local leaders and the original group of umbrella vendors failed to adequately inform the villagers of Karon Subdistrict about the creation of umbrella groups in public areas.

 

Feeling sidelined, the Multi-Coloured Umbrella Group is asking for the opportunity to operate as proper, permitted beach bed umbrella vendors. They claim that their umbrellas and beach chairs have been seized and fines issued by village headmen and municipal officials.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo: PR Phuket

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13

 

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Beach much cleaner without their oik.

The problem is the vendors want to take over and control the beach.... stay away.