The battering began over a week ago, with large tracts of Nai Yang Beach washed away and trees along the shorefront felled. (See story here.)
Sarawut Seesakukam, President of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), explained to The Phuket News that his office was unable to take action on the drastic beach erosion as the section of Nai Yang Beach affected lies within Sirinath National Park.
“I sent my officials to inspect the damage, but that area belongs to Sirinath National Park. Whatever action is taken must be done with in accordance with their instructions. We can’t do it,” Mr Sarawut said.
Sirinath Park Chief Kitipas Tharapibal told The Phuket News yesterday (Sept 19), “We have known about the beach erosion for a while. For now, all we can do is seal off the dangerous areas, which I have ordered my officers to do (today, Sept 20).
“I have informed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) about this already. The Phuket DMCR office is in the process of setting up a budget in order to provide a long-term solution to this,” he added.
Meanwhile, lifeguards have reported heavy similar beach erosion at Bang Tao Beach.
“Bang Tao beach has suffered damage from the weather over the past few days,” The Phuket Lifeguard Club Chief Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News.
“Our lifeguards are keeping an eye on the situation. We have informed the Cherng Talay OrBorTor, but we have yet to see what action they will take,” he said.
The Phuket News was unsuccessful yesterday and this morning in contacting anyone at the Cherng Talay OrBorTor by phone.