Unimaginable, new reality: clean, vendor-free Phuket beaches

[webfact]

Unimaginable, new reality: clean, vendor-free Phuket beaches

PHUKET: -- A reliable “witness” the Danish Hotel Manager, Michael Gaarde-Nielsen at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket on Karon beach, had already informed ScandAsia earlier in the year that all of the tourist island’s beaches, including Karon, were completely cleared from sunbeds, umbrellas and vendors.

This just had to be witnessed; something that had seemed up until recently almost impossible to imagine ever to be seen again had now become reality! And not just making the beaches tidier and some sort of control on how much one can be allowed to place on a public beach, controlling and limiting any buildings close to the beach etc. No, now everything had been cleared.

Surin beach, had seen so many complaints in the local media about the uncontrolled activities that had grown out of proportions, to the extent that the entire beach was occupied: beach clubs, buildings and sunbeds all the way down to the shoreline.

An early November confirmed the new situation: below the tiny road along the beach separating the sandy area from the land it was all gone – except the trees and a few removable massage beds! Completely cleared. Catch Beach Club were busy finalising the new area for their former platform with bar and DJ booth on the beach, now above the road instead. Guests were lying down on the sand under the shade of trees.

Large signs put up announced that buildings would be teared down on four beaches, and including a time table for realising this.

And over at Kamala beach, the mecca for Swedes and other Scandinavians hotel manager Johan Magnusson at Sunprime, Tour operator Ving’s adult hotel, along with the adjacent Sunwing family hotel) was busy addressing the situation and keep his guests happy.

As he brought ScandAsia down to the beach he immediately got into conversation on the beach topic with some of the hotel’s guest from Sweden, just as the high-season weather had finally returned to the island after a couple of very rainy months.

Johan said that since it had become clear earlier in the year that the sunbeds and the umbrellas.

“The owner or myself did not receive any specific instructions or notifications regarding the stricter implementation of the already existing Beach rules and regulations. Big noticeboards with info text in Thai was posted by the government, on several places near and along the beach, in order to inform (everyone) people and businesses,” Johan told ScandAsia.

Sunprime/Sunwing, being beachfront, are also more fortunate than other resorts in Kamala, that are not situated on the beach, and had set up own beach clubs.

“Several hotels had to remove and close down their beach clubs. Sunwing Kamala Beach didn’t use to have any sunbeds on the beach at all. Sunwing guests either stayed around the many pools or rented sunbeds from the local vendors on the beach. Sunprime Kamala Beach used to have a few big double Sunbeds (only five in the low season and fifteen in the high season), in front of the hotel. Most Sunprime guests however, also used to stay around the pools or rented sunbeds from the locals on the beach.”

No operators are allowed to offer sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach anymore.

“We have received quite a few mails and phone calls from overseas guests enquiring about the beach situation. Some are worried not only for the sunbeds but also that all restaurants, long-tail boats and shops will also be gone.”

“It is yet still to early to fully say something about the guests’ overall reactions and response regarding the new situation. We’re only in the very beginning of the high season and so far seeing mixed comments; where many think the beaches look serene, relaxed and beautiful, with a pristine and cool atmosphere. Others are more negative, missing the possibility to have a sunbed and especially the shadow and protection from the sun that a parasol gives.”

Upon this visit Sunprime was about to get fully booked and Johan and his team were in the final stages of their efforts to provide enough sunbeds for all its guests. Thankfully, this beachfront resort have large premises and with lots of gardens with lawns next to the pool areas.

“Of course both hotels now can see an increased demand for sunbeds around our pool areas. To cope with the situation extra sunbeds are added, not only around the pools but also on grass areas that have never been used before.”

The resort also has a rule that its guests cannot pre-occupy sunbeds before 9.30 am, while having breakfast, so that everyone can have a fair chance at the most popular spots.

As for the beach Johan also added: “Together with the other members in the Kamala Green Club regular beach cleaning are carried out and will continue. To support the new situation on the beach ten new big garbage bins will be added along the beach, sponsored and monitored by this club.”

Will some kind of organised sunbed/parasol rentals be allowed where badly needed, as on Karon beach? Will the current new situation remain? That is another story that only the future can tell…

Source: http://scandasia.com/unimaginable-new-reality-clean-vendor-free-phuket-beache/

-- ScandAsia 2014-11-25

[sscsamui]

Very nice and hope it stays this way... And still hoping they come to Koh Samui and clean it up.... Help

Edited November 24, 2014 by sscsamui

[Deli]

Tourism is remarkable down in Phuket & Phang Nga, not only because of comfort free beaches but surely also because of this.

Luckily... Kamala is slowly going back to have vendors, restaurants, massages and kind of chair services on the beach. Hope other areas will follow soon.

[chotthee]

Very nice. But not convenient at all.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

This just show that military law has make all thing orderly & perfect, but lack practicality in the real world.

Similar to North Korea synchronize parade marching, beautiful to watch, but difficult (inefficient) to get from point a to point b.

[Nuddy]

Maybe the rocks could be painted white and the sand raked to take out the footprints as one does at an army camp.

[sawadee1947]

Very nice. But not convenient at all.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

This just show that military law has make all thing orderly & perfect, but lack practicality in the real world.

Similar to Nort

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

h Korea synchronize parade marching, beautiful to watch, but difficult (inefficient) to get from point a to point b.

"When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.:

Why not? Keep them fit !

[Ulic]

I am sure a legal shop a few meters from the beach will rent lounge chairs and umbrellas

and have a runner take then to the beach and set them up for customers. A little more work

but the businesses will not be operating on the beach and be legal.

[NamKangMan]

Very nice. But not convenient at all.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

This just show that military law has make all thing orderly & perfect, but lack practicality in the real world.

Similar to North Korea synchronize parade marching, beautiful to watch, but difficult (inefficient) to get from point a to point b.

"When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back." - and there's Phuket's biggest drawback for tourists - that lack of transport, again.

Edited November 25, 2014 by NamKangMan

[Taco]

PHUKET: -- A reliable “witness” the Danish Hotel Manager, Michael Gaarde-Nielsen at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket on Karon beach, had already informed ScandAsia earlier in the year that all of the tourist island’s beaches, including Karon, were completely cleared from sunbeds, umbrellas and vendors.

Did they leave out one word at the end of the last sentence? were completely cleared from sunbeds, umbrellas and vendors and visitors!!!

Koh phangan is pretty cleared out of tourists as all the parties are still cancelled and bored backpackers are straight off to phi phi to have some fun. I think this is becoming the OVERCRACKDOWN.

[NamKangMan]

I am sure a legal shop a few meters from the beach will rent lounge chairs and umbrellas

and have a runner take then to the beach and set them up for customers. A little more work

but the businesses will not be operating on the beach and be legal.

They would have to pay rent on a shop. I think they will be renting them off vehicles, not in shops, to keep their expenses down.

[12DrinkMore]

Strange.

Before it happened people were complaining about the beach vendors and how aggressive they were, even some YouTube vids went online.

As it happened people were saying it would not happen, and that the Army would give in to local pressure.

Then it happened and people said it was wonderful to be able to see the sand and sea again.

Now people are apparently calling from abroad worried if they will be able to find a sunbed on the beach.

Just can't please 'em all, can you?

[12DrinkMore]

Very nice. But not convenient at all.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

Absolute nonsense.

There is no location in Thailand that is further than 50 meters from a Somtam and Fried Chicken merchant.

[rethaier]

Very nice. But not convenient at all.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

This just show that military law has make all thing orderly & perfect, but lack practicality in the real world.

Similar to North Korea synchronize parade marching, beautiful to watch, but difficult (inefficient) to get from point a to point b.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

Discussing souvenirs in this context is just silly. I agree people may want to eat but they could take it with them. As for souvenirs, I have never gone to a beach to buy a souvenir. There are many areas where people can buy souvenirs and the beach should not be one of them.

[Pinot]

Phuket beaches are being re- invaded by vendors doing business on the beach in direct violation of the NCPO orders. Surin has vendors renting mats on the King's beach. BangTao hotels and clubs are putting loungers and umbrellas on the beach. I saw hundreds of them yesterday. The jetski mob violates rules everyday. The beaches are further encroached upon every day.

The problem is no one is enforcing the rules so the vendors ignore them. All the great work by the NCPO to clear the beaches is going down the toilet, as we return to the corrupt cesspool that was Phuket six months ago.

The people who's job it is to enforce the rules, the ones who have made a fortune in the past, are the ones making money breaking the rules, specifically the OrBorTors.

No local official should be allowed to make any rules that affect the beach. All of them gain financially from their decisions.

For those poor tourists inquiring about not being able to get loungers and umbrellas on the beach, stay home. They don't allow it to go on in their Western countries. What a hardship having to hang at the pool. Stay home.

[Krataiboy]

What a pity nobody thought of conducting one of those notorious polls to find out what visitors actually wanted before the military was ordered in to strip the Phuket beaches of beach vendors and knock down unlawful bars, restaurants and clubs.

As this article makes clear, while some tourists enjoy the sight of pristine beaches, many are unhappy at the loss of deckchairs, sunshades and places where they can conveniently buy food and drink.

Also not exactly delighted at the clean sweep, of course, are hundreds of Thai and immigrant workers who lost their livelihoods, with little chance of finding new jobs paying equivalent wages.

Maybe the generals need to learn an old falang proverb which begins "Act in haste. . . "

[lensta]

Please please clear Cha Am beaches as well. The beach umbrellas and lounge

chairs are old and tatty and take up most of the beach. Then you have the

problem with the vendors when you park your car on the beach side of the road.

The parking area is public but they try to say that they rent it and cause

all sorts of problems when you park there.

[iReason]

Tourism is remarkable down in Phuket & Phang Nga, not only because of comfort free beaches but surely also because of this.

Luckily... Kamala is slowly going back to have vendors, restaurants, massages and kind of chair services on the beach. Hope other areas will follow soon.

"...comfort free beaches..." ?

[Longstaff]

This is certainly a topic that seems to polarize people; we all have different values and needs eh?

Typically the pendulum needs to swing the other way before settling at some place in the middle, and at the moment, in some locations, it has swung from one extreme to the other. What is really required is national and regional visitor management planning, though the likelihood of this seems remote. Clearly Thailand is a large country with many beaches; more than enough room to cater for everyone given a bit of forethought and planning. Surely some beaches and adjacent communities can be zoned 'party central'; while others can be left unspoiled, undeveloped, and pristine; and yet others can be controlled to provide some sort of happy medium? Conflict invariably occurs when the needs, expectations, and values of one group clash with another; jet skis being a good example.

In these days of melanoma awareness shade is required whether it be palm trees or umbrellas. To my mind umbrellas are in principle a good thing, simply because there are not enough palm trees where they are needed. The provision of umbrellas and loungers needs to be controlled however; limited to particular places and excluded from others; and the vendors need to be licensed and managed to ensure tourists get good service. (And to prevent encroachment). Having been on the receiving end of foul mouthed vendors in Hua Hin; and aggressive vendors who think they own adjacent parking areas in Cha Am; I am not particularly sympathetic to their opinions in all of this....and in any case the tail should not be wagging the dog.

Change is always going to be painful during the period of transition because opinions, values and needs range widely. Thailand does not need to ask tourists what they want any more than any other nation does. Instead, it needs to decide (ask the Thai people) what sort of tourists (and retirees / expats / investors / foreign owned companies) it wishes to attract, make this clear to everyone, and get on with it. The demographic of tourist groups (like the others) will change as some find the new environment less appealing, while others find it more appealing. If everyone knows what the plan is they can then make an informed choice about whether to come or not, and whether to stay in Patong or Rawai (or whether to stay or whether to sell up and buy a condo in Torremolinos).

As ex-pats, the best thing we can do is provide support and encouragement for those within the Thai community seeking to initiate change for the common good (the army has after all taken this out of the 'too hard basket' and done SOMETHING). Our involvement through people like the Honorary Consuls is perhaps one way to make collective opinions heard in a reasonable and formal way that is respectful of Thai culture and process.

[wileycoyote]

Improvements are good

[madmitch]

Are the beaches vendor-free? Not so sure.

Admittedly it was before the beach games but despite no sunbeds, no umbrellas, no food or drink vendors, it was possible to buy a hammock, a belt, a selfie stick or a sarong from the comfort of your beach towel on Karon Beach. I'd rather have someone coming around with something useful like cold drinks than these guys who are simply annoying. Does anyone really want to buy a belt from a trader on the beach?

[ThaiSanookGuy]

Ridiculous fake marketing.

Even if it was true just wait ffew weeks to know what happens.

Phuket has always been a shiiithole and will always be anyway.

Edited November 25, 2014 by ThaiSanookGuy

[apalink_thailand]

Very nice. But not convenient at all.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

This just show that military law has make all thing orderly & perfect, but lack practicality in the real world.

Similar to North Korea synchronize parade marching, beautiful to watch, but difficult (inefficient) to get from point a to point b.

When the tourist wanted some som tum or some souvenirs, they have to walk a mile to the nearest shop to get some; and walk back.

Discussing souvenirs in this context is just silly. I agree people may want to eat but they could take it with them. As for souvenirs, I have never gone to a beach to buy a souvenir. There are many areas where people can buy souvenirs and the beach should not be one of them.

Ya, I just love lying on my beach chair and swatting off vendors every five minutes. Very relaxing. "No, I do not want to buy that stupid piece of wood that when scraped with a stick sounds like a frog". "No, the carved North American Indian chief masks do not interest me while I am trying to take a nap on the beach". "Do I look like I want a bloody sarong?". Good riddance to them. It was out of control.

[NamKangMan]

Strange.

Before it happened people were complaining about the beach vendors and how aggressive they were, even some YouTube vids went online.

As it happened people were saying it would not happen, and that the Army would give in to local pressure.

Then it happened and people said it was wonderful to be able to see the sand and sea again.

Now people are apparently calling from abroad worried if they will be able to find a sunbed on the beach.

Just can't please 'em all, can you?

Whether tourists would like chairs and umbrellas, or not, your post doesn't address the fact that what they were doing was illegal, and fails to mention the corrupt payments to officials that allowed them to operate on the beach.

[davidmann]

who likes deck chairs ,so now i have to sit on the sand ,can't get beer when i won't one

[khunPer]

Isn’t it a question of the right balance...?

I presume many, or most, tourists come for a nice holiday with the opportunity for using/renting a beach chair or sun bed under an protecting umbrella; enjoy a relaxing massage at the beach in the shadow of the palms; being able to buy something to drink and a few snacks; and perhaps a delicious lunch – however, without being ripped off.

I don’t think it’s a question of “on” or “off” – like what seems the Thai way of controlling (loud) music – but rather finding a balanced and controlled level in between. Too many vendors at the beach is bad, but nothing may not be better – not all tourists comes just for unspoiled nature, and then one beach, or one end of the beaches, could be kept “clean” for that purpose; then everybody has a choice...

[pcliff069]

Clean lmfao

Suggest you have a ghl @ the rubbish tip that is Nai Harn beach

Edited November 27, 2014 by pcliff069