Discussions focused on the Rawai, Naiharn, Kata and Karon areas, where masseurs, beach chair operators and vendors were predominantly affected by the loss of trade with tourists.
V/Gov Jamroen stressed the importance of those seeking work to get themselves properly registered with the authorities, noting that 259 masseurs had already done so and were now gainfully employed at hotels which had cooperated with the municipality and took them on as hotel staff.
Up to 80 people will be allowed to work in designated areas at each of the beaches but those workers must be local residents, it was revealed.
Beach chairs will not be allowed back on the beaches, it was concluded.
The arrangement for Surin Beach is yet to be concluded while the legal implications of Nor Sor Lor land in the area are being discussed.
However, Cherng Talay Mayor, Ma Ann Samran, said there was no need to allow the chairs back on the beach as ‘no one was affected by the policy’.