He made the statement at a media conference held yesterday (February 12) to give an update about the new Phuket International Airport and beach management systems.
“The progress made on the Airport management is satisfying. Parking and traffic inside the airport is way better than before.
“There are no more black-plate taxis, and the green-plate taxis are all set in groups with their own counters and boards which list the standard prices for their services.
“The desks are well managed, and the number of illegal tour desk has been reduced a lot. There have been no illegal tour guides found so far,” said Adm Sayan.
“80 per cent of the airport is being well managed. And the view of customers is that they are very happy and impressed.
“Furthermore, Phuket International Airport has just got the prize for Best Airport of the Nation,” he concluded.
With regards to the new beach management system and illegal buildings on public land (beaches), Cherng Talay is the area which has the most complicated issues to deal with.
After the Navy reported that there are still some remaining buildings on Surin and Laypang beaches following the official demolitions, Mayor of Cherng Talay, Ma' Ann Samran explained from his side about his attempt to probe these cases.
“We also have to follow the law. We cannot just rush to demolish them all, we have to go step by step,” he said.
“I have put a sign telling all restaurants and shops which are built on NorSorLor land (including Zazada, Catch and Bimi beach clubs and those which are using buildings that were previously built for Tsunami victims) at Surin beach to move.
“This also goes for five restaurant and bars at Laypang beach.
“As for beachfront hotels in the area, I have sent a letter to them to warn against putting umbrellas and beach loungers on the sand. It has been reported that a big hotel on Laypang beach was doing that before,” he said.
He also expressed his confidence to the meeting that business operators who were expelled from the beaches will not be able to get back in business at the same places.
“I have heard about them coming back, and I have recently reported 17 cases to Cherng Talay police who fined them B2,000 each. The police also warned them that if they come back again, they will be prosecuted further.”
Meanwhile, Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong added that the processes have to be done gradually.
“We are dealing with locals, tourists and local authorities who have to get use to using the same system.
“It takes time to make everyone understand and follow the rules.
“There are three steps to make the system work, systematise, manage and build up sustainability. We are at the second stage.
“We are trying to use a management system which is new to Phuket to see if it works or not. After this, as I said before, OrBorTor and municipalities will have to issue their municipal laws about beach management.
“We will wait three months and let the Prince of Songkhla University team research and make reports on accomplishments of the system to make sure that it works and fits with the locals needs before becoming an official regulation,” he said.