During their sweep, which started at about 11:30pm, the personnel discovered separate stashes of fireworks and sky lanterns beside four trees on the beach.
The OrSor personnel were acting under orders from Kathu District Chief Siwat Rawarangkul, who said the operation was launched following complaints that people were walking around on the beach selling sky lanterns and fireworks, annoying tourists and causing a safety concern.
Of the contraband bound, some of the fireworks had already been lit, Mr Siwat noted.
No people associated with the illegal fireworks and sky lanterns were found, but officers will continue to investigate to track them down, Mr Siwat added.
“I would like to publicly admonish these people who bring firework and sky lanterns, or any other similar object, to sell on the beach ‒ and those who buy them and bring them to the beach themselves,” Mr Siwat said.
“The beach is a public place and the penalty for doing this is a fine of up to B60,000 or up to three years’ imprisonment, or both,” he said.
“In this regard, officers will conduct intensive checks on the beach every day,” Mr Siwat warned.
christysweet | 09 December 2022 - 12:47:34