Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket authorities have executed a decisive operation at Surin Beach, dismantling makeshift bars and restaurants unlawfully occupying public land. Over a focused two-day period, from May 14 to 15, the operation aimed to reclaim these spaces from businesses benefiting improperly from the tourist influx.

 

Under the leadership of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanrat, the operation was supported by Thalang district authorities and a mix of police, soldiers, forestry officials, and local enforcers. Despite the heavy monsoon rains, the dismantling of unauthorized structures proceeded seamlessly from 9am to 1pm each day.

 

Targets included makeshift restaurants, cocktail bars, and sunbed rental spots—all lacking requisite permissions. Although illegal operators were present during the demolitions, the operation encountered no resistance.

 

"This initiative secures residents’ and tourists’ rights," a district official asserted. "Our beaches should remain safe, fair, and accessible—not monopolised by unpermitted operators."

 

The crackdown follows a directive from a local working group addressing ongoing public space disputes on Phuket's beaches. It's part of a broader agenda aimed at promoting transparent and sustainable beach management that serves the community's interest.

 

Notable support came from Vice Governors Adul Chuthong and Samawit Suphanphai, alongside Provincial Chief Administrative Officer Thiraphong Chuaychu. Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun and District Palad Wisut Romin orchestrated the operation directly, bolstered by Cheng Talay Administrative Organisation staff and Volunteer Defence Corps officers.

 

The Thalang District Office reinforced its pledge to reclaim and protect public beach areas, promising continued enforcement to ensure fair and responsible use on these shores.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-16

 

 

Let's wait and see how decisive this is. I recall this as a recurring yearly event.

So what about all the places that had been there for years and were meant to be taken down ?

Or do they make too much money for that to happen 🤨

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite the heavy monsoon rains, the dismantling of unauthorized structures proceeded seamlessly from 9am to 1pm each day.

Op photo look nice and sunny

for me personally its sad.. its the charm of the thai beaches to have snaks etc handy...i get why its done tough

Why do the Police allow the construction of these places in the first place ?

Good job, but now check weekly👍

This is exactly what tourists like, easy access to local food and drinks on the beach. It helps the local people to survive.  Should rather consecrate on all the  other illigal building and structures on the island to possible take some of that down.

11 hours ago, Jorn T said:

This is exactly what tourists like, easy access to local food and drinks on the beach. It helps the local people to survive.  Should rather consecrate on all the  other illigal building and structures on the island to possible take some of that down.

Totally agree. I go to Surin Beach daily and it has been a very busy high season. Everybody enjoying the selection of bars and restaurants and access to sun beds and umbrellas. 

 

I hear through the bamboo grapevine that leases will be granted to allow businesses to operate legally on the beach. Time will tell.

17 hours ago, cracker1 said:

Why do the Police allow the construction of these places in the first place ?

ur joking right?

recall years ago they destroyed many clubs ( there was one at the end of the beach that even had a pool) and turned the beach back to empty<  fast forward and the very next high season they started coming back till the rests/shops ran from one end ot the other
It looks lovely now ( went out yesterday) a few people enjoying the sun and sea
but expect its business usual by Nov.

On 5/16/2025 at 8:01 PM, snoop1130 said:

the operation was supported by Thalang district authorities and a mix of police, soldiers, forestry officials, and local enforcers

Interesting