Fight On Kata Beach

[metice]

There was a group of tourists at the waters edge watching the sunset this evening who were approached by one of the beach chair vendors demanding some money. I'm guessing they had used his facilities and perhaps owed him something (I thought they always paid in advance?). Anyway, this guy was aggressive and confrontational and an arguement ensued. When he didn't get what he wanted he started lashing out with his fists. He also struck two of the women. The guy was out of control.

His work buddy then appeared on the scene and I thought he was going to try and calm his friend down. Insead, he joined in with the violence.

The concession is near the lifeguard tower and this is the second time in a month I've seen this guy start a fight. He clearly has a problem.

Please... no replies about how some ignorant tourists deserve it. They weren't looking for trouble and this was totally unwarranted. I always admire the patience of Thais in dealing with uncultured tourists and it's a shame this incident will shape people's opinion. It was sickening to see this, especially as it was on the busiest part of the beach where it was witnessed by many tourists.

I hope they file a complaint because I fear it's not the last time he will do this.

[NamKangMan]

There is a 100 baht fee for watching the sunset on Phuket. Shame on these tourists for not not paying. These Thai's are just trying to make a living and take care of their family. :)

Wait till they catch a tuk-tuk. :)

Edited February 21, 2013 by NamKangMan

[surangw]

and if one of the tourists decked the thai guy, it would make headlines

[Jimi007]

As one news source that we can't mention on this forum, due to forum rule 31 has stated many times: there needs to be a single agency to take charge on all the beaches in Phuket. As it is now, anyone who pays money to and is a friend of the local Or Bor Tor, can do whatever they want on public land. I'm sick of the beach chair vendors and the rest encroaching on land they have no legal right to occupy. But it's not my country, so it's up to them to shoot themselves in the foot, yet again... Greed wins every time it seems.

[steelepulse]

Those guys are aggressive, rude, and have the backing of the BIB's. I've seen quite a few confrontations on Kata myself, and these beach chair/jetski/mafia guys know they have full backing so are quite the a**holes.

[Guest]

Documentation by pictures or videos and sending those to local or foreign newspapers seems to be the only way to make the difference here.

[Jimi007]

I have to agree. They really don't like negative publicity around here, but it seems to put some pressure on the people in power at least.

Edited February 21, 2013 by Jimi007

[DonaldBattles]

The beach thugs are real animals fully protected by the law as they have to pay a lot of money to screw up the beaches. As time goes on you will not be able to walk or sit on the beach due to the trash that controls them. I found that the mountains and foothills of the north provide me with a better quality of life.

[Colonel_Mustard]

But not better quality of air unfortunately, eh Don?