Gov Chamroen revealed his stance on the pressing beach-management rules while attending a blessing ceremony at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town this morning (Oct 5), held ahead of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which gets underway next Tuesday (Oct 13). See (story here.)
“First, I have to look at all the beach rules that are in place, as I have not been in Phuket for 10 months, and I must know all of the rules before any decision can be made,” he told The Phuket News. Gov Chamroen arrived on the island to take up the post of Governor last Thursday (Oct 1). (See story here.)
Of note, Gov Chamreon said he was surprised at the “10 per cent rule”, which allows vendors renting our umbrellas and sun loungers to tourists to occupy not more than 10 per cent of the beach area. The rule was one of many introduced by previous Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong in January (See story here.)
Asked whether any changes could be expected before the coming tourism high season, which starts next month, Gov Chamroen replied, “If any changes are made before the high reason, the changes must be for the better. It is the only way.
“I will consult with officers from the Fourth Army Area, the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Region 8 Police and with the Vice Governors, but any changes must be lawful and fair.
“If a business is located on private land, then it will stay. But if it is not, then it will have to go.”
Gov Chamroen also called on the people of Phuket to take a united stand to preserve the island’s natural resources.
“Everyone needs to work together to preserve Phuket, I can’t do it all by myself,” he said. “We can all help, and do it fairly.
“I will not be silent about any wrongdoing by officials, and I will report any matters that are beyond my responsibility directly to the NCPO (National Council for Peace and Order) myself.”