The newly appointed Thalang District Chief, Weera Kerdsirimongkul, and his deputy Samran Yukunthon led a group of local administration officials,Cherng Talay OrBorTor and military volunteers on a sweep of both Surin and Laypang beaches aimed at keeping both clear of illegal vendor activities.
They were also on the lookout for illegal construction that might have sneaked back onto the beach since dozens of bars and restaurants were demolished in June, July and August last year.
The team seized 28 mats and mattresses, 24 pillows, and five beach umbrellas, all belonging to a woman called Surin Buasri, who had laid them out on the beach for tourists to rent.
She was told that if she wantde to retrieve her belongings she must first go the Cherng Talay OrBorTor office and pay a B2,000 fine.
Tourists who were already lying on mats rented to them were not disturbed.