Phuket officials seize 34 items from Bang Tao Beach

[Godders]

The idea that Thailand’s beaches should be swept clean of all commercial activity and returned to their original “pristine condition to satisfy the whim of a bunch of would-be Robinson Crusoes, is as impractical as it is unnecessary.

What is really required is choice - and that exists already.

Let’s get real. Only a tiny minority of international travelers are masochistic enough to want to lug all their gear to an empty beach and spend hours lying sweaty towel without the benefit of shade or sustenance.

Most visitors to Thailand clearly expect the same kind of facilities - deckchairs, sunshades, and vendors offering food and drink – available at all the world’s most popular holiday destinations, from the Costas (no, not you dear!) to the Caribbean.

The minority who feel otherwise should be thankful for the current administration's enlightened policy of ensuring some stretches of the Kingdom’s busiest beaches are now kept totally free from commercial activity.

Still not satisfied? Then head for one of Thailand’s numerous small islands or unspoiled little beach resorts off the beaten track. But be warned – even the real Robinson Crusoe soon got fed up with his “pristine” paradise.

[Johnny S]

I think table, chairs and sunbeds on the beaches are great! Just regulate them properly and don't let them feed the corrupt local officials. Put the revenues to good use by cleaning up the beaches, etc.

All well & good but it all boils down to the old give them an inch & they will take a mile. Take Surin for example. 20years ago it was idyllic with just a few thatched huts by the beach where you could get something to eat & drink. I loved stopping by there. I do not recall if it was before or after the tsunami when it started getting out of hand but whenever it happened the local authorities must have been complicit so why don't we hear about them being charged.

What about Nai Yang? Buildings were torn down & quickly replaced. Why is that private enterprise can operate basically on the beach similar to the one block in Patong. The beachside should have unobstructed views.

Unfortunately, the world is growing rapidly, and mass travel has hit us big time. Areas that were previously remote and pristine are no longer like that any more. Need to figure out a way to deal with the tourists as well as protect the beauty. No an easy thing to do!

and still they manage to do it in other countries with many tourists .... Imagine that