The operation, conducted from 10am to 4pm, was reported as carried out under the direction of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn. Deputy Phuket Governor Theerapong Chuaychu, Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul and Deputy District Chief Wisut Romint.
According to the report, the Deputy District Chief for Security Affairs was assigned to lead an integrated team comprising members of the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor), officers from Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor), village headmen and assistants, medical personnel, police officers, community security volunteers and municipal officers.
Officials reported that the operation proceeded smoothly and formed part of routine enforcement to ensure public order and management of activities along the Surin Beach area.
Cherng Talay OrBorTor is also assigning crews to carry out daily cleaning and garbage collection along the beachfront, an official report of the operation said.
The latest action follows earlier enforcement this week as authorities maintain efforts to regulate beach management, prevent unauthorised commercial activities and reduce conflict among vendors.
The stepped-up monitoring follows enforcement action on Monday (Dec 15), when five people were arrested for illegally encroaching on Surin Beach by placing umbrellas and beach chairs and selling goods on public land.
That inspection, led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, was launched after reports of ongoing encroachment and a widely shared social media video showing a brawl between rival vendors over operating space.
Meanwhile, a local resident took to social media criticising authorities, arguing that while disputes among vendors exist, enforcement should not unfairly target all operators. The poster accused officials of inconveniencing traders during difficult economic conditions and challenged claims relating to land status and beach designation, calling for clearer responsibility and transparency.
District officials have previously stated that enforcement aims to protect public access, restore order and support fair management of registered vendors under established regulations.
In a separate development, Kathu District Office also intensified enforcement efforts at Patong Beach. Late on Tuesday (Dec 16), an integrated team led by Deputy District Chief Anurak Poolsak, together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality, seized tables, chairs and carts placed on the beach without permission as part of ongoing efforts to regulate beachfront activity.