The video, posted online on Saturday (Dec 13) by local resident Sulaimarn Kaewngamdee, shows groups of vendors arguing and fighting on the beachfront, sparking renewed public criticism over alleged disorder and encroachment at one of Phuket’s most prominent beaches.
In commentary accompanying the clip, Mr Sulaimarn questioned enforcement efforts at Surin Beach, alleging that encroachment had resumed despite previous clearances by officials. He also criticised what he described as inconsistent action by Thalang District authorities, claiming the number of beach shops and umbrella-chair operators had increased again.
In response, the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) reported yesterday (Dec 14) that Thalang District Office had conducted an initial investigation into the incident.
According to PR Phuket, district officials found that those involved in the altercation were vendors operating on Surin Beach, and that the fight was caused by a dispute over selling areas.
PR Phuket said the issue falls under the responsibility of the Thalang District Beach Regulation Committee, which has already met and agreed on guidelines to manage the situation. These measures are now in the process of being implemented, PR Phuket said.
Also according to PR Phuket, the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will issue three formal notices. The first will designate a temporary area for use by affected groups, specifically vendors and massage therapists, on a day-trip basis. The second will list the vendors and massage therapists required to temporarily relocate to the designated area. The third will set out regulations and rules governing the orderly use of that area.
Once these three notices are prepared, Cherng Talay OrBorTor is to submit them to the Thalang District Beach Management Committee for approval, before they are forwarded to the Provincial Beach Management Committee for further consideration, PR Phuket explained.
PR Phuket also reported that a public consultation process is underway regarding beach chair and umbrella operators at Surin Beach.
Cherng Talay OrBorTor launched the survey on Nov 20 through an online Google Form titled “Survey on opinions regarding the organization of Surin Beach”. (Click here.)
The survey asks one question: “Do you agree with the proposal to revoke the Phuket Provincial declaration designating Surin Beach as a beach honoring the King and instead declare Surin Beach a regulated beach?”
Respondents may click either “I Agree” or ‘I Disagree”.
According to PR Phuket, Cherng Talay OrBorTor distributed survey forms to more than 600 households in Moo 3, but received responses from only a small number of residents.
As a result, from today through Wednesday (Dec 15-17), OrBorTor officers, working with local officials, are conducting follow-up visits to households to collect additional opinions. The results are to be summarised and submitted to the district and provincial beach management committees for further action.
Of note, despite the assurances reported by PR Phuket, Thalang District Office itself and Cherng Talay OrBorTor have both not yet publicly announced any specific action to be taken in response to the brawl shown in the video.
Cherng Talay Police have also not issued any public report on the altercation, nor confirmed whether any complaints were filed, injuries recorded, or legal action considered in connection with the fight.
Surin Beach has long been a focal point of debate over beachfront management in Phuket, particularly regarding the presence of vendors, massage services, and umbrella and chair operators.
While major clearances in previous years were intended to restore public access and order, tensions have periodically resurfaced as vendors seek space to serve tourists during high season.
The latest video has reignited concerns among residents about enforcement consistency, transparency in decision-making, and the effectiveness of consultation processes being used to determine the future management of the beach.
As of publication, no timeline has been publicly confirmed for the conclusion of the surveys, nor for any enforcement action or regulatory changes at Surin Beach following the brawl.