The move to clear the tourist-popular beach of all vendors must be done “in the name and honour of Their Majesties The King and Queen of Thailand”, he told a press conference on Wednesday (Dec 9).
The announcement came during talks at the meeting with Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat, who is overseeing the management of the “'10 percent zones” that dictate where beach vendors may operate.
“Surin Beach is specially dedicated to HM The King and HM The Queen. There won’t be any commercial activity in that area at all,” V/Gov Chokdee said.
“Mai Khao, Nai Thon, Freedom Beach, Ley Pang and Nui Beach will also all be declared natural ‘virgin’ beaches without any commerce,” he added.
Patong, Kata, Karon, Bang Tao, Kamala and Nai Harn Beaches will all have “'10 percent zones'”, where food and drinks may sold, beach massage services provided, and sun mats and beach umbrellas for hire, V/Gov said.
Markers with images representing starfish and seahorses are being produced to be placed on the beaches to designate where the 10 percent zones will be, he added.
However, V/Gov Chokdee did not re-confirm whether tourists will be allowed to bring their own umbrellas and beach mats and sit where they like at any beach.
V/Gov Chokdee asked Gov Chamroen which beaches should gain special scrutiny to ensure the beach rules are being followed.
“We watch every beach,” Gov Chamroen replied. “Though I admit it will not be easy.”
V/Gov Chokdee took note, and assured that signs explaining the beach rules in four languages – Thai, English, Chinese and Russian – are being produced, as are beach maps marking the areas and explaining the rules, and teams of “beach watchers” are being formed.
“We expect everything to be done by the end of this year,” he said.