The representatives arrived at Phuket Provincial Hall this morning (Apr 18).
“Please consider our right to make a living here,” said Channonphipak Prachumsrisakul.
“Officials have allowed people to make a living at this beach since 1995. Many of us have been there 21 years already. Now officials have told us to vacate our buildings because they will demolish them on April 20 (Wednesday).
“If officials want us to move, please extend the deadline – and please find new places for us,” he added.
Mr Channonphipak, in detailing the group’s plea for “fairness”, also told Phuket Governor Chamreon Tipayapongtada that the beachfront vendors object to encroachment charges against them.
“We don’t agree with the charges of trespassing on public land,” he said. “We have filed an appeal with regional Administrative Court (in Nakhon Sri Thammarat) to consider our right to making a living on this land.”
Gov Chamroen received the petition in person and assured that officials will follow all due processes in carrying out their actions relating to the issue.
“I will hand these details today to Pakpoom Intarasuban [Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad)],” he said.
“Mr Pakpoom is tasked with checking each business on Surin Beach – and finding out how people there make money for living. Everything will be done in full accordance with the law,” Gov Chamroen assured.
“Also, this is being handled by Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Armornwat. I’ll leave this in his capable hands.”