Phuket faces no lifeguards on beaches as contract debacle ebbs on

[Lite Beer]

Phuket faces no lifeguards on beaches as contract debacle ebbs on
Phuket Gazette -

The ongoing debate over the new contract may see Phuket beaches without lifeguards by Monday. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: There may be no lifeguards patrolling Phuket beaches on Monday if compromise is not reached between the island’s lifeguard club and Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO) over the new, hotly-debated 22-million-baht club budget.

Though the current contract expires today (April 27), Phuket Lifeguard Club President Prathaiyut Chuayuan is holding firm to his desire to increase salaries for his staff without cutting the number of guards that patrol the island’s beaches.

“We want to work with the PPAO, but if they do not offer us more money, we will not sign the contract,” Mr Prathaiyut told the Phuket Gazette.

“If this is what happens when I call the PPAO on Monday, we will return to them all of the lifesaving equipment they have given us.”

The PPAO has presented a 10 per cent increase in the budget offered and agreed to last year (story here).

“If the lifeguard club does not agree to the contract, we will start looking for another company to take its place,” said Nararit Touyon from the Tourism Department of PPAO.

“Either way, if they cut down on the number of lifeguards or if they don’t, this is the budget. The rest is up to them.”

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phuket-faces-lifeguards-beaches-contract-debacle-ebbs/29253#ad-image-0

-- Phuket News 2014-04-27

[LivinginKata]

Can't say I ever noticed any lifeguard presence at Kata beach this high season. Other than some guys with the yellow guard shirts going about their own business activities. And it beggars believe that the contract annual renewal is at the start of the green season. Oh wait - that puts public pressure on the authorities to award the contract quickly = favours the life guard contractors.

[steelepulse]

From all the money the beach makes by attracting tourists, the PPAO decides to be a cheap charlie on saving people's lives. Why not buy new equipment, get the lifeguards trained up, and have some pride on having world class lifeguards and beaches? Oh wait, I know why, they don't see any monetary benefit out of spending the money on this necessary service.

[thepool]

It would be helpful if more information was given.

What is a Life Guards salary now ?

A 10% rise in the budget seems reasonable, perhaps even generous !

Seems as if some "posturing " is being indulged in .

Have the Life Guard Clubs accounts been independently audited ?

[Soupdragon]

Shouldn't worry too much, when the stories of how polluted the beaches are goes international they won't be needing lifeguards.

[hgma]

While on the one hand the global lobby on sustainability in all levels of 'business' is ongoing, it seems that a 'lawless Thailand' is on its way to be routed out as amazing destination by polluting on all levels possible.

There is nothing amazing on a polluted beach now is there?

A public (tourist) beach without life guards is polluted now isn't it?

Now the question arises IF the lifeguards really make a positive difference or not.

if they make a difference then they have a legitimate case, if not........lets continue the decay .

[Guest]

Shouldn't worry too much, when the stories of how polluted the beaches are goes international they won't be needing lifeguards.

Couple of persons with full bio-medical hazard suites taking samples of the water could be a nice practical joke to raise awareness.

This story of lifeguard deal comes like a clockwork every single year.

[Pinot]

Same story every year. Lifeguards here, during high season don't do anything. The water is calm. They do nothing. When you need them, is when the surfs up, to keep the idiots out of the water. Beach traffic is down so no one wants to pay for lifeguards if there are few farangs at the beach. So, there is no money to pay them. Same as last year, and the year before that, and...

[eezergood]

Here we go again.........

[Ulic]

Same, same, every year. Why should it be different this year.

[starkey_rich]

It would be helpful if more information was given.

What is a Life Guards salary now ?

A 10% rise in the budget seems reasonable, perhaps even generous !

Seems as if some "posturing " is being indulged in .

Have the Life Guard Clubs accounts been independently audited ?

Apparently they need to invest in new equipment to replace the antiquated rubbish they have at the moment.Nothing really to do with salary.

Books???Audit???

What are they?

[starkey_rich]

It would be helpful if more information was given.

What is a Life Guards salary now ?

A 10% rise in the budget seems reasonable, perhaps even generous !

Seems as if some "posturing " is being indulged in .

Have the Life Guard Clubs accounts been independently audited ?

Apparently they need to invest in new equipment to replace the antiquated rubbish they have at the moment.Nothing really to do with salary.

Books???Audit???

What are they?

[starkey_rich]

Shouldn't worry too much, when the stories of how polluted the beaches are goes international they won't be needing lifeguards.

With all the traffic jams ,mobs blocking the road, parking being taken up by tuk tuk and taxi's it's a wonder anyone can ever get to the stinking polluted beaches.

But there are still a few( usually people with business interests ) who really think Phuket is still a beautiful place.

Yhe in your dreams

[NamKangMan]

Shouldn't worry too much, when the stories of how polluted the beaches are goes international they won't be needing lifeguards.

With all the traffic jams ,mobs blocking the road, parking being taken up by tuk tuk and taxi's it's a wonder anyone can ever get to the stinking polluted beaches.

But there are still a few( usually people with business interests ) who really think Phuket is still a beautiful place.

Yhe in your dreams

They will build, build and build over what beauty is left on Phuket, and the effects of all that construction, without proper town planning and infastructure in place, will see Phuket basically become like Pattaya, if it's not already there yet.

Then, the tourists will be swimming in hotel pools, rather than the heavily polluted beaches.

Edited April 28, 2014 by NamKangMan

[simon43]

Why not levy a tax of 5% on all business activities on all beach vendors, to be paid in cash as each transaction occurs?

You rent a deck chair fror 100 baht, 5 baht is dropped into the lifesaving 'piggy bank'.

You sell a Thai meal for a family of 4 for 800 baht - you pay 40 baht cash into the piggy bank.

Oh wait!! I just saw a pink pig flapping it's little wings.......

Simon

[Jonmarleesco]

'Contract debacle 'ebbs' on'? How does it ebb on? To ebb is to recede.

[Lite Beer]

Lifeguards walk off Phuket beaches as PPAO drops ball on contract
Phuket Gazette -

The Phuket Lifeguard Club President made it clear that this year lifeguards will not be volunteering to patrol the beaches while the PPAO sorts out the contract. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: Lifeguards abandoned the island’s tourist beaches today after the Phuket Provincial Administration Office (PPAO) failed to break the deadlock surrounding a 22-million-baht lifeguard contract that expired yesterday.

“Since the contract has ended, it is no longer our responsibility to patrol the beaches. All 108 lifeguards have quit their jobs,” Phuket Lifeguard Club President Prathaiyut Chuayuan told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

“I have no idea what will happen if someone gets into trouble while lifeguards are not there to help.”

Nararit Touyon from the PPAO Tourism Department said that he was unaware of any backup plan to ensure the safety of swimmers as the sea surrounding Phuket becomes more dangerous with the onset of the Southwest monsoon season.

“We must find lifeguards to look after the beaches as soon as possible. We know how important it is to maintain safety for swimmers,” Mr Nararit said.

The PPAO will hold an auction for the contract, said Mr Nararit.

Though the wheels are in motion to invite interested parties to bid for the contract, an auction date has yet to be set.

“This is the third time we have opened bidding for the budget. The first time, no companies came forward. The second time, the Phuket Lifeguard Company applied. However, the renewal has fallen through,” said Mr Nararit.

“If we cannot come to an agreement with the Phuket Lifeguard Club, and if no other company comes forward to bid on the contract, it is up to PPAO Vice President Soratham Jinda to determine the next step,” said Mr Nararit.

The Gazette was unable to reach Mr Soratham for comment.

The Phuket Lifeguard Club returned all lifesaving equipment, including emergency oxygen tanks, binoculars, rescue boards and floats to the PPAO after their shifts yesterday, Mr Prathaiyut confirmed.

Despite a 10-per-cent increase from the previous budget (story here), Mr Prathaiyut held firm to his desire to increase salaries for his staff without cutting the number of guards that patrol the island’s beaches (story here).

Last year, 928 people were saved by lifeguards from Phuket’s waters. However, despite lifeguards’ efforts, 23 died, Mr Nararit noted earlier this month.

“I am now waiting to see if the PPAO will call and re-negotiate with us,” added Mr Prathaiyut.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Lifeguards-walk-off-Phuket-beaches-PPAO-drops/29264#ad-image-0

-- Phuket Gazette 2014-04-28

[stevenl]

It would be helpful if more information was given.

What is a Life Guards salary now ?

A 10% rise in the budget seems reasonable, perhaps even generous !

Seems as if some "posturing " is being indulged in .

Have the Life Guard Clubs accounts been independently audited ?

Read any of the other threads aon this and you'll know.

No life guards at the moment and the red flags are up, because there are no life guards. I feel though the red flags should not be up, since there are no dangerous sea conditions.

[fiddlehead]

The lifeguards were still there (on Nai Harn) yesterday.
I hope they can work this thing out so we don't have to wait till someone drowns before they move on it. (again)

Maybe I'm one of the very few who see and believe that the lifeguards do a pretty good job.

I've watched them save a few over the years.
Without them, the death rate would be much higher IMO.

[stevenl]

The lifeguards were still there (on Nai Harn) yesterday.

I hope they can work this thing out so we don't have to wait till someone drowns before they move on it. (again)

Maybe I'm one of the very few who see and believe that the lifeguards do a pretty good job.

I've watched them save a few over the years.

Without them, the death rate would be much higher IMO.

At Nai Harn today no lifeguards.

Also nearly no people, so it is again the hidden gem

[MMarlow]

Why not levy a tax of 5% on all business activities on all beach vendors, to be paid in cash as each transaction occurs?

You rent a deck chair fror 100 baht, 5 baht is dropped into the lifesaving 'piggy bank'.

You sell a Thai meal for a family of 4 for 800 baht - you pay 40 baht cash into the piggy bank.

Oh wait!! I just saw a pink pig flapping it's little wings.......

Simon

Why should the vendors have to pay for the lifeguards, if you're suggesting someone paying for something that the local authority should pay for why not charge a lifesaving fee to those that venture into the water?

[clockman]

Logic, is a unknown concept in Thailand!