The issue was discussed at a meeting held this morning (Oct 31) at the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre, chaired by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai. Also present were Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee and Monchai Sae Lao, Director of the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre (Provincial Ombudsman’s Office).
Vice Governor Samawit said the beaches are public areas that everyone has the right to use, but activities there must comply with the law and cannot obstruct shared use.
Provincial officials would hold further discussions with Karon Municipality, district offices and other relevant agencies to establish clear guidelines for managing beach-based occupations, he added.
“I have asked for 15 days to allow officials to visit the area and consider solutions,” Mr Samawit said. “The use of public land must not involve permanent structures. Only temporary facilities permitted by law may be used.”
The issue arose after Karon Municipality ordered the removal of massage beds, tents and umbrellas set up by local operators, citing that they were placed in public areas without authorisation.
Vice Governor Samawit said the provincial office would seek a compromise that allows beach masseuses to continue their livelihoods without breaching regulations.
“We will look for appropriate measures that ensure fairness for everyone while maintaining public access,” he said.
MP Chalermpong noted that a successful model already exists at Patong and Kamala, where local authorities have implemented a temporary, removable structure system through cooperation between local administrations and district offices.
“This model could be adapted for Kata and Karon,” he said.
Mr Monchai confirmed that the Provincial Justice Centre will expedite a formal request to Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra to establish a working group to address the matter urgently.
He stressed that responsibility for enforcing demolition of unauthorised structures rests with the district and local administrative organisations under existing laws.
Mr Monchai added that the province has already set up a working group to coordinate with related agencies to ensure solutions are “concrete and practical” for affected residents.
In a post online, MP Chalermpong reiterated that the group representing Karon Beach massage operators had petitioned the Governor to reconsider municipal restrictions that have left many unable to work.
He confirmed that the new working group will look into the masseuses’ grievances and explore compensation or assistance measures for equipment already removed, while ensuring compliance with legal conditions ‒ including the requirement that workers remove their equipment from the beach at the end of each day.
Mr Monchai also warned that local officials must carry out their duties transparently and in line with the law. Failure to do so, he said, could result in disciplinary or legal action under Section 157 of the Criminal Code for neglect of duty.
All parties agreed that any continued use of beach areas for massage services must be regulated under clear guidelines allowing only temporary, movable equipment, with no permanent fixtures permitted.
Vice Governor Samawit confirmed that the meeting will reconvene within 15 days to review the findings and decide on appropriate measures, following joint input from municipal, district and justice officials.