The inspection was led at 1:30pm yesterday by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, accompanied by the Deputy District Chief for Security Affairs, members of the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor), the head of Sirinat National Park, the deputy chief of the Sakhu Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor), and the village headman of Moo 4, Sakhu.
Officials found umbrellas and beach chairs placed without permission within national park boundaries, as well as goods being sold along the public road. Operators and those involved were ordered to remove and clear all items from the area within this month.
Warning signs were installed and public announcements issued prohibiting the placement of umbrellas and chairs in the national park and other public areas, in order to maintain order, preserve the beach’s natural beauty and ensure compliance with relevant laws.
Thalang District Office confirmed that a joint follow-up inspection with Sirinat National Park and related agencies will be conducted on Mar 4. Authorities warned that if violations continue, strict legal action will be taken.
The administrative action comes as police continue to investigate a fire that broke out at about 1am yesterday on Nai Thon Beach, destroying around 40 canvas beach cushions and 20 plastic chairs.
Sakhu Police Chief Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul said officers are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
“Right now we are still investigating. We are reviewing CCTV footage to determine exactly what happened and the cause of the fire,” he said.
“We have already questioned witnesses who saw the incident and have assigned the investigation team to trace the timeline, including who was in the area at the time and whether the fire was caused by someone or occurred accidentally.”
He confirmed that forensic officers have examined the scene as part of efforts to establish the exact cause.
Pol Col Salan stressed that the district office’s order to remove beach chairs is separate from the criminal investigation into the fire.
“The district’s order to remove all beach chairs is a separate matter. The case investigation is still ongoing and is not related to that action,” he said.
He added that authorities had previously issued instructions regarding beach chair placements before the fire occurred.
Police have not ruled out any motive, including reports of a possible dispute between local vendors, and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Additional reporting by Natnaree Likidwatanasakun