The arrests were made during an inspection from 10am to 2pm led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul.
Officials said the five were found occupying public beach space by placing umbrellas and beach chairs and selling goods in a manner deemed to constitute illegal occupation of the beachfront.
According to a report by the Thalang District Office, the operation brought together a slew of officials, including district officials, Volunteer Defence Corps personnel (OrSor), village headmen and assistant village headmen, medical personnel, police officers, village security volunteers from Cherng Talay, officers from Cherng Talay Police Station, municipal officers from the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) and forestry officers from the Thalang Forest Protection Unit.
Apparently that was deemed adequate to cope with the beach vendors.
Thalang District Office reported that the Cherng Talay OrBorTor has been assigned to file a formal complaint and submit the case to investigating officers at Cherng Talay Police Station for legal proceedings.
The inspection followed reports of ongoing encroachment by beach umbrella and sunbed operators at Surin Beach, an issue that has drawn renewed attention after a video showing vendors brawling over operating areas circulated widely on social media over the weekend.
District officials said the crackdown is part of a broader effort to restore order and prevent public nuisance at the popular tourist beach.
Thalang District Office said that from today (Dec 16) onwards it will integrate the deployment of OrSor personnel with municipal officers, village leaders, medical personnel, police and community security volunteers to jointly monitor and control beach umbrella and sunbed operations.
The measures are aimed at preventing further encroachment, reducing further conflict among vendors and ensuring public access to the beach, officials said.
The monitoring will remain in place until a “sustainable solution and clear operational framework” for managing beach umbrellas and sunbeds at Surin Beach is established, the Thalang District Office added.
Officials also stressed that further legal action will be taken against anyone found violating regulations governing the use of public beachfront land.