The Phuket News visited Surin Beach yesterday to talk to beach vendors about the party, planned for December 30. Organisers claim 20,000 tickets have been sold for the event, which will involve Surin Beach being blocked off.
The owner of Nok Seafood, who did not want to give her name, said she was still awaiting clarification on many issues.
“We met and talked many times but there has been no conclusion, or definite decisions. All I know is that if I want to sell food and beverage at the party, I must give the organisers commission of 60 per cent for beverages, and 30 per cent for food sold.”
She does not agree with the party. She said every year many people visit Surin beach for their New Year’s celebrations, and this year they will not be allowed to go there.
In addition, the beach will be left messy and dirty after the party because of “a large number of drunk people all day and all night,” she said.
Thongchai Maneesri, a taxi driver at Surin Beach, also disagrees with the party. He wants Surin Beach to be available for the locals to celebrate the New Year.
“The environment of the beach will be absolutely destroyed. Surin Beach already has a lot of tourists, without the promotion from the party.”
However, Wanida Thonglor, a meatball vendor, thinks the event will be a “very good promotion for Surin Beach”.
“Surin Beach is not yet well known compared with others in Phuket. I believe it is worthy to just close my shop for two days to help promote the beach.”
However, she said the organisers must be responsible for the clean up after the event.
Ms Wanida said all the food vendors in the market area beside the beach agreed with the party.
“We have no problem with the party. If they want to hold, they can do it and I think it will be of benefit to the beach and all vendors here,” juice vendor Supannee Sengseng said.
Meanwhile, Ma-an Samran, president of the Cherngtalay Tambon Administrative Organisation, said he had “no clue” about the progress of the party.
“There is no signs of advertisement, no letter of announcement or anything being set up on the beach. Also, the organiser has not yet dealt with the group of people who disagree with the party.”
A letter of opposition from 15 Surin Beach restaurant representatives was sent to the Sydictive party organisers in October, as well as a separate letter from several Surin hotel representatives.
“The people will keep selling their products on the date if a deal is not made,” added Mr Ma-an.
“I still wonder about the progress of the party.”