“Around three weeks from now, we will get the research results from the [Prince of Songkhla University – PSU] team who are interviewing every stakeholder, such as beach business operators, local Phuket people, tourists, tourism organisations and associations,” the Governor told The Phuket News.
“So far, the beach management situation is better. I can see that beach vendors understand more about the importance of management. Local administration organisations understand, too, and have been improving management in areas under their responsibility.
“Patong mayor [Chalermluck Kebsub] told me yesterday that she was hurrying to build permanent and beautiful [beach control and tourism information] centres on Patong Beach.”
He admitted, however, that he is still receiving complaints and disagreement about the measures and that many beach vendors still insist that they need to put beach loungers – currently completely banned – on the sand.
“Many people give me examples such as Bangsaen or Pattaya or other beaches where people are allowed to put loungers on the beach. I have to insist to them that it is illegal for people to do business on the beach.
“I think tourists from other countries should understand the situation, and our laws, just as they respect the law in their home countries.
“After the three-month trial, which will finish soon, we will discuss the [PSU] study and the opinions of people from all sides, and probably make some adjustments.”