MaAnn Samran, head of the Cherng Talay Tambon Adinistration Organisation (OrBorTor), led the raid, which he said was ordered by Cheng Talay Police Chief Col Serm Khwannimit.
The operation, which was touted to clear the beach of all vendors, began at 9am, with officers seizing 67 cushions, 22 umbrellas, three mats and six small pillows that vendors provided to tourists.
No arrests were made since no one came forward to claim any of the items, which were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station, where owners may come to claim them, The Phuket News was told.
The raid today follows Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada announcing on December 9 that Surin Beach “must be cleared” of all beach vendors by New Year. (See story here.)
However, it also follows confirmation that the attempt to clear the foreshore of all buildings where businesses operate is very unlikely to happen before the espoused deadline of New Year’s Day. (See story here.)