Surin Beach, at 870 metres in length was divided into two zones each zone 40m wide. One zone was close to Maam Seafood Restaurant, the other close to Audi Seafood Restaurant. (See story here)
The removal of the 10% was confirmed to The Phuket News today (Nov 27) by Cherng Talay Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) chief Maann Samran.
Mr Maann declined to comment of the beach vendor issue directly but he did say, “I have decided to set Surin Beach to be a virgin beach with no 10% per cent for beach vendors, it will be a beach for the King and Queen.
“I had a meeting with Vice Governor Chokdee Armornwat and the Navy at Thalang District Office yesterday (Nov 26) to let them know the new Surin Beach policy,” Mr Maann said.
“I had this idea when I last visited New Zealand. I went to one popular park and there is no construction in there, only nature and paths. I like that idea very much and I think Surin Beach can be the same,” he added.
He also mention that Surin Beach is the only beach in Phuket which the present King and Queen of Thailand has visited. Therefore, this a further reason to set the beach as a memorial to them.
“We will renovate the existing King and Queen monument. I would like to do this for the people of Phuket so they can have a valuable memory about our beloved King and the Queen,” he said.
V/Gov Chokdee said that he agreed with the idea of the beach being set as a memorial to the King and the Queen. However, he also stated his concern about the affected beach vendors.
“Yes, it's true that our King and Queens once visited Surin Beach. The idea of setting Surin Beach as a memorial to them is a nice idea.
“However, I have to see if there are any complaints from the affected beach vendors here first,” he said.
“We have to find some solution for these beach vendors who have been affected by the removal of the 10% zone,” he added.
In addition to the removal of the 10% zone, it was also revealed to The Phuket News that 36 restaurants and beach clubs that have encroached on public land at Surin Beach will be demolished within this year.
Cherng Talay OrBorTor and the Royal Thai Navy are making sure that all documents and manpower are well prepared. The demolition could be started within a matter of days.