In a letter sent in July to the Bureau of the Royal Household but only revealed today (September 23) on Facebook, the operators wrote, “May it please Your Majesty, the Patong sunbed operators, the Kamala sunbed operators, the Patong car rental companies, the Patong itinerant food and drink sellers and the Patong massage club humbly plead for Your Majesty’s help.
“As a result of the policy of the National Council of Peace and Order to regulate Patong and Kamala beaches, we no longer have jobs.
“We have no money to support our families or provide medical care for them. We have worked in these jobs for about 10 years. We do not have the knowledge to do any other job and we have no land that we can farm.
“The government allowed us to work like this for ten years. It is an honest job, taking care of tourists, and we made much money for the nation. Now the number of tourists has decreased because there are no sunbeds, no food or drink deliveries and no massages.
“Every year, we have paid income and other taxes to the Municipality”
The Bureau of the Royal Household wrote to Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut on August 15: “Jarithon Sipke of 92 Meun-ngan Rd, Patong and others have been allowed to work as sunbed operators, masseuses and car renters on Patong Beach and Kamala Beach for long time,” the letter said.
The letter, signed by Injan Buraphat, Acting Deputy Secretary-General of the Bureau went on, “But beach regulations have had the effect of preventing them from working in the area. Because they are now unemployed and also have debts, they wish to return to work in the same place to make a living.
“Please inform us of your opinion which will be presented to His Majesty.”
Governor Maitri forwarded the letter to the Kathu District Officer with a note attached: “Please consider this issue and report back within 15 days of receiving this letter.”
The Phuket News today contacted the Kathu District Officer, Sayan Chanachaiwong, who said that he was still waiting for the letter to arrive.