Phuket's Surin Beach 'may be stripped of all businesses'

[webfact]

Phuket’s Surin Beach 'may be stripped of all businesses'
Anthika Muangrod


The area on the right of the picture has been vacated. Now the question is, will the buildings on the left also have to go?

PHUKET: -- Over the past week business owners have been ripping out structures illegally occupying public land on the west side of the walkway at Surin Beach - the side next to the beach.

But now it has emerged that the other halves of the beach clubs, restaurants and bars, on the east side of the path, may also have to go.

A worried Ma’an Samran, Chief Executive of Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), today (June 18) admitted to The Phuket News this morning (June 18) that there is a definite possibility that the buildings along the path, which belong to the OrBorTor, will have to be ripped down soon.

“It will probably happen. From a provincial government meeting yesterday (June 17), it appears that the province has an agenda to get rid of everything along Surin Beach. At the meeting the commander of Cherng Talay Police [Col Paworn Pornpromma] said that the Army wanted to remove it all.”

Mr Maan said that the rationale and the legal explanation would be revealed soon.

“The possibility is high. I checked the response of local residents, and they are okay with it, though there might be a problem because tourists still want to sit and eat and drink there.

“The business people are [definitely] not going to agree with this. That’s another problem.”

Mr Maan explained that the the structures along the east side of the path were originally built by the OrBorTor after the 2004 Asia Tsunami,, as housing for people who had lost their homes.

Since then, however, the structures had changed hands many times and none were now dwellings; all were occupied by businesses.

“The OrBorTor charged no rent [at the beginning]; we just allowed local people to live there. But later they sold their

places until the places become something else entirely.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a lawyer who has worked on public land issues explained to The Phuket News that although Cherng Talay OrBorTor manages the land on the east side of the path, it does not own it. The land belongs to the state; like the strip along the beach it is public land.

If the OrBorTor’s original aim after the tsunami was to help local people in distress that would be legitimate (provided the relevant permits were obtained).

But the occupants never owned the buildings and could not legally sell, rent, or assign their occupation rights to anyone else.

Mr Maan also added that the province (with the Army in the background) does not want to see beach chairs on public land anymore.

“There will be no beach chairs or beach beds in the future [along Surin Beach].”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket%E2%80%99s-surin-beach-%E2%80%98may-be-stripped-of-all-businesses%E2%80%99-46914.php


-- Phuket News 2014-06-18

[terryp]

if they dont hold a valid lease agreement or a chanote then it must go ...this is public land NOT for someone just to take

[KarenBravo]

Just goes to show you the Thai mentality towards laws; both officials and villagers.

[stevenl]

Would this mean that all beach chairs and beach loungers all over Phuket will have to go?

[KarenBravo]

Why not? The beach-chair people have already gone back to the wooden loungers that were banned after the tsunami as they caused so many deaths; breaking the limbs of people so that they couldn't stay afloat.

[LivinginKata]

Would this mean that all beach chairs and beach loungers all over Phuket will have to go?

What about all the little food/beer shacks dotted along kata beach. They must be next.

[stevenl]

Would this mean that all beach chairs and beach loungers all over Phuket will have to go?

What about all the little food/beer shacks dotted along kata beach. They must be next.

I support the principle here, and also feel that there is no middle road here, at least not at the moment. Maybe in the future, but I very much doubt that.

[steelepulse]

Possibly why Surin is feeling the brunt of this so far is that the Royal Family did visit back in the 50's and would be appalled if they saw the state Surin was in just two weeks ago.

[eezergood]

I, personally, can live with the beaches having nothing on them...... didnt cause any probs in Australia.... walk 5 mins into Bondi, Surfers etc.... and get a drink/lunch etc....

[Skattanmicce]

Back in Kata next December, lets see is all built back on their old places

[MK1]

Mr Ma’an appears to be creating an unnecessary environment of fear including having a bit of a spat at the army while he is the one that should be also held responsible since he has been a leading integral member of the Cherg Talay OrBorTor for many years.

It won’t be long before Mr Ma’an is summoned to have a chat with the junta in Bangkok.

[simon43]

Nai Yang??????

[stuarty]

Strip it all away. Both sides, and start again with whichever new model is applied Phuket wide.

[Katipo]

I would guess the people operating their businesses there were paying some local 'influential' figure to do so. The Army is putting a stop to this. Good.

Who wants to wager however, that it will in the not too distant future be sold to some big developer to build a 5* resort on?

Big open public green spaces? Not in Thailand. That's considered an inefficient use of land.

[Alwyn]

Amazing. Tourism figures already suffering so what can they do next? Well we did the curfew ermm...Oh, let's see, how about making beaches places where you can't lay on the beach on a sunbed and get a beer!! Great stuff, I heard Vietnam has nice beaches though, and you can get lunch and a glass of wine too! And everybody here saying "quite right, if it's not legal they should go" will be the same people whining about how Thailand doesn't do enough to get tourists in... Incredible mentality of an already pretty much <removed> up country. Too bad, such a glorious country be stripped bare

[lensta]

Wish they would ban all the beach chairs etc on Cha Am beach as well. The people

that own the chairs think that they own the parking area in front of the beach also

and throw a fit if you park in front of their area.

[Oziex1]

Amazing. Tourism figures already suffering so what can they do next? Well we did the curfew ermm...Oh, let's see, how about making beaches places where you can't lay on the beach on a sunbed and get a beer!! Great stuff, I heard Vietnam has nice beaches though, and you can get lunch and a glass of wine too! And everybody here saying "quite right, if it's not legal they should go" will be the same people whining about how Thailand doesn't do enough to get tourists in... Incredible mentality of an already pretty much f*cked up country. Too bad, such a glorious country be stripped bare

At Nai Harn you can or could buy a beer on the beach you could also cut your foot to pieces on broken beer bottles on the beach and in the water. Take 20 seconds to walk across the road for a snack or beer and please don't bring the bottles to the beach.

Vietnam is a lovely country depending on the nature of the people they will either get it right or they also will have to have a reset in the future as is happening here. Tourism down for now but when word gets out of the changes and the military rule is wound back, they will come.

I think many would agree it is special in todays world to stand with your back to the man made world and see nothing but sand, surf, reef, islands a few other people enjoying a beautiful natural resource.

[Lokie]

Legal or not, I thought it looked quite nice around that end of Surin Beach, but being Dumb also thought it was a private club/hotel, never realised it was public land? Does Ripping it all down really make this area more appealing to tourists and hence bring money to the area? Yes is nice to have open beaches, but some people want to use beach sunbeds and have the choice of a cool beer/drink etc... Just saying like, do not condone illegal establishments, but then here in LOS define Illegal? lol...

[ebean001]

The mistakes were made at the beginning. Now the little guy will suffer. Hummmm. The state should sell off the land to the businesses for a small price.

[KarenBravo]

I'm afraid it's all or nothing here. The locals cannot be trusted to get it right. If there is development, it gets so bad that even the car-park can't be used for what it was intended and access to the beach is restricted and controlled by locals who have no right to do so.

Better nothing. The only fair way.

[Alwyn]

Amazing. Tourism figures already suffering so what can they do next? Well we did the curfew ermm...Oh, let's see, how about making beaches places where you can't lay on the beach on a sunbed and get a beer!! Great stuff, I heard Vietnam has nice beaches though, and you can get lunch and a glass of wine too! And everybody here saying "quite right, if it's not legal they should go" will be the same people whining about how Thailand doesn't do enough to get tourists in... Incredible mentality of an already pretty much f*cked up country. Too bad, such a glorious country be stripped bare

At Nai Harn you can or could buy a beer on the beach you could also cut your foot to pieces on broken beer bottles on the beach and in the water. Take 20 seconds to walk across the road for a snack or beer and please don't bring the bottles to the beach.

Vietnam is a lovely country depending on the nature of the people they will either get it right or they also will have to have a reset in the future as is happening here. Tourism down for now but when word gets out of the changes and the military rule is wound back, they will come.

I think many would agree it is special in todays world to stand with your back to the man made world and see nothing but sand, surf, reef, islands a few other people enjoying a beautiful natural resource.

That's if they don't knock down those very same restaurants on the road at Naiharn too, which is what they were talking about on Phuket Wan just yesterday. You're describing your Utopia of empty beaches, surf and reef etc. Unfortunately, other people like to lay on the beach, on a sunbed and grab a beer if they want. Most people will take a 2 week vacation and enjoy a to relax on a nice beach, be able to take a fresh water shower and eat or drink without getting a taxi to go find a restaurant that's not on the beach. Tell me, where will people go from Surin Beach to get a glass of water or lunch? Apart from the beach places there is only hotels. Even less at Layan beach. When those beach shacks go (the people that own these beaches also do pick up any bottles and cigarette ends etc) there is nowhere at all to get refreshments, either alcoholic or otherwise.

[Emster23]

"Oh, let's see, how about making beaches places where you can't lay on the beach on a sunbed and get a beer!!" Sounds good, like the idea. Work off a little of that lard by getting up and walking across road to get your beer, might also be a sobriety test. Get a sheet or a mat to lay on beach. Here in Jomtien one rarely gets a peek at the beach for the endless number of umbrellas blocking the view. There is the philosophy of "leave only footprints" regarding natural spaces. I know beaches are big tourist draw, but the shacks, umbrellas and all that are just downright ugly.

[monkeycountry]

Thailand has to stop worrying about the "rights" of business men, who run illegal businesses. They know full well that they have opened a business on public land, but they decided anyway to take a calculated risk in order to make a profit. Sometimes that works out, but when it does not, the rest of the country should not feel sorry for these people. On the contrary those occupying public land should be thankful they are only losing their illegal business, and not their freedom.

[atyclb]

Just goes to show you the Thai mentality towards laws; both officials and villagers.

Laws? only suggestions

[Thaiready]

Amazing. Tourism figures already suffering so what can they do next? Well we did the curfew ermm...Oh, let's see, how about making beaches places where you can't lay on the beach on a sunbed and get a beer!! Great stuff, I heard Vietnam has nice beaches though, and you can get lunch and a glass of wine too! And everybody here saying "quite right, if it's not legal they should go" will be the same people whining about how Thailand doesn't do enough to get tourists in... Incredible mentality of an already pretty much f*cked up country. Too bad, such a glorious country be stripped bare

At Nai Harn you can or could buy a beer on the beach you could also cut your foot to pieces on broken beer bottles on the beach and in the water. Take 20 seconds to walk across the road for a snack or beer and please don't bring the bottles to the beach.

Vietnam is a lovely country depending on the nature of the people they will either get it right or they also will have to have a reset in the future as is happening here. Tourism down for now but when word gets out of the changes and the military rule is wound back, they will come.

I think many would agree it is special in todays world to stand with your back to the man made world and see nothing but sand, surf, reef, islands a few other people enjoying a beautiful natural resource.

That's if they don't knock down those very same restaurants on the road at Naiharn too, which is what they were talking about on Phuket Wan just yesterday. You're describing your Utopia of empty beaches, surf and reef etc. Unfortunately, other people like to lay on the beach, on a sunbed and grab a beer if they want. Most people will take a 2 week vacation and enjoy a to relax on a nice beach, be able to take a fresh water shower and eat or drink without getting a taxi to go find a restaurant that's not on the beach. Tell me, where will people go from Surin Beach to get a glass of water or lunch? Apart from the beach places there is only hotels. Even less at Layan beach. When those beach shacks go (the people that own these beaches also do pick up any bottles and cigarette ends etc) there is nowhere at all to get refreshments, either alcoholic or otherwise.

Pack a lunch and drinks in a cooler....you ever heard of a picnic.

[Alwyn]

Amazing. Tourism figures already suffering so what can they do next? Well we did the curfew ermm...Oh, let's see, how about making beaches places where you can't lay on the beach on a sunbed and get a beer!! Great stuff, I heard Vietnam has nice beaches though, and you can get lunch and a glass of wine too! And everybody here saying "quite right, if it's not legal they should go" will be the same people whining about how Thailand doesn't do enough to get tourists in... Incredible mentality of an already pretty much f*cked up country. Too bad, such a glorious country be stripped bare

At Nai Harn you can or could buy a beer on the beach you could also cut your foot to pieces on broken beer bottles on the beach and in the water. Take 20 seconds to walk across the road for a snack or beer and please don't bring the bottles to the beach.

Vietnam is a lovely country depending on the nature of the people they will either get it right or they also will have to have a reset in the future as is happening here. Tourism down for now but when word gets out of the changes and the military rule is wound back, they will come.

I think many would agree it is special in todays world to stand with your back to the man made world and see nothing but sand, surf, reef, islands a few other people enjoying a beautiful natural resource.

That's if they don't knock down those very same restaurants on the road at Naiharn too, which is what they were talking about on Phuket Wan just yesterday. You're describing your Utopia of empty beaches, surf and reef etc. Unfortunately, other people like to lay on the beach, on a sunbed and grab a beer if they want. Most people will take a 2 week vacation and enjoy a to relax on a nice beach, be able to take a fresh water shower and eat or drink without getting a taxi to go find a restaurant that's not on the beach. Tell me, where will people go from Surin Beach to get a glass of water or lunch? Apart from the beach places there is only hotels. Even less at Layan beach. When those beach shacks go (the people that own these beaches also do pick up any bottles and cigarette ends etc) there is nowhere at all to get refreshments, either alcoholic or otherwise.

Pack a lunch and drinks in a cooler....you ever heard of a picnic.

Yes and when you're at home it's easy, grab stuff from fridge, haul the kids to the car but when on holiday and staying in a hotel room it's not so easy is it, really?

[Local farang]

Please Please Please be Nay Yang Beach Next....bulldoze all the buildings on the beach with the taxi Mafia inside them.....It is like the wild wild west in Nay Yang now with everyone including the local police ignoring the laws...!

Also set a licensing and control policy for any taxis operating at the beach and make them leave their cars in the northern end of the park, leaving the roads clear of many black cabs.

Please General get the military in to sort the mess out.

[monkeycountry]

I think one of the problems here in Thailand is that if you let someone do something in order to help them, then eventually they will feel it is suddenly their right and fight for it as such. As an example, the government could allow someone to put beach chairs, small movable bars etc. on the beach, which would do no harm, but in no time that will translate into full size concrete restaurants and bars occupying the entire beach. The same goes if you let someone temporarily use an idle plot of land just to be nice. In no time their will claim it is their land, and you will be fighting an uphill battle to get rid of them.

Therefore the government should be very careful when letting anyone occupy public land, no matter how innocent the original purpose (such as beach chairs) might sound.

[Emster23]

"Yes and when you're at home it's easy, grab stuff from fridge, haul the kids to the car but when on holiday and staying in a hotel room it's not so easy is it, really?"

It's not that difficult either. Coolers are not hard to find, 7-11s sell ice along with other food and drink. For the folks who are on holiday who don't give a toss what happens to environment I have no sympathy. For those of us that happen to live here, I think most would like it to look clean, natural as possible, and nothing to be ashamed of.

[monkeycountry]

The mistakes were made at the beginning. Now the little guy will suffer. Hummmm. The state should sell off the land to the businesses for a small price.

How is the little guy suffering? Every single Thai in Thailand (including even the smallest guy) know that if you do not have a title deed to your land, then it is not your land. They also know that no title deeds exist for any part of the beach anywhere. Hence, people decided to take a chance when they built their business on land they knew was not theirs, and which could not legally be leased to them. Are we now to feel sorry for them?

Further, I think you will find that most of the illegal occupants are not so "little" afterall.