Phuket's beaches have been without lifeguards since April 2 due to the expiration and non-renewal of the previous contract between the Phuket Lifeguard Club and the OrBorJor.
A Tourism Department official from the OrBorJor told The Phuket News earlier today (May 17) that the new contract is currently being discussed by government officials.
“We sent a request for all lifeguard companies to apply for the contract, but there were no competitors so we have asked the same company, Phuket Lifeguard Club (PLC), to work with us again.”
“I believe the decision will be made by the end of the week and the renewal will be made by the end of this month,” officials said.
However, Vitanya Chuayuan, a publicity officer at the PLC said that the contract renewal would only be completed once the OrBorJor has provided newer and stronger equipment for each and every lifeguard.
“We have agreed to renew the contract but now we are asking for new equipment, that will help us save people’s lives. I expect the new contract to be signed on May 22, but if the decision to provide us with new equipment is not made, then the renewal will be late,” Ms Vitanya said.