The order came at a meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday afternoon (Feb12), following an inspection of the popular beach, located in Karon, on the southern side of the headland just south of Patong, yesterday morning.
Of note, confirmation of the governor’s order came via a post online by Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, the House of Representatives member for Phuket District 2. At time of press, local Phuket government agencies had yet to directly publicly report anything regarding any inspection of beach vendors at Freedom Beach.
The inspection of the beach by Mr Chlermpong and accompanying officials yesterday morning found “about 10” operators providing services to tourists at the popular beach.
The operators said they had been granted permission to operate on the beach by the Phuket branch of the Royal Forest Department, Mr Chalermpong reported.
At the meeting yesterday afternoon were the Director of the Phuket office of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE Phuket), the Kathu District Chief, the Mayor of Karon, the Superintendent of Karon Police Station, the Superintendent of Patong Police Station, the chief of the Phuket Forestry Center as well as representatives from other relevant agencies, Mr Chalermpong noted.
Faisan Nupichai, Director of the Phuket Forestry Center, explained that the forest area at Freedom Beach was part of the Nakkerd Hills Reserve Forest covering as area of 48 rai, 2 ngan, 11 square wah, including the area of the beach.
The area in question is currently in the process of being prepared to be designated a “recreational forest”, Mr Faisan said.
Coastal erosion had resulted in beach sand moving into the original area designated as protected forest, meaning the original boundary now extended onto the sand, Mr Faisan said.
MNRE Phuket Director Watthanaphong Suksai pointed out that before the meeting there was a call for officials to explain details of the situation.
As for the issue of claiming benefits from officials, a committee should be appointed to investigate the matter, Mr Watthanaphong also said.
Governor Sophon noted that the area in question was clearly marked as under the responsibility of the RFD. he tasked Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong to oversee the provicion of personnel or any other needs to see the matter investigated.
Mr Chalermpong said he joined in questioning the placement of umbrella beds on the beach.
“As everyone knows, everyone can use the beach area together,” he said.
“Why have Forest Department officials allowed sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach and collected money from tourists? This includes the issue of falsely claiming rights in order to receive benefits, which has been frequently complained about,” Mr Chalermpong added.
“We would like the Forest Department or the responsible agency to investigate as soon as possible to make everything transparent,” he added.
“The provincial governor therefore asked the Phuket Forestry Center to write a request for personnel to come to Provincial Hall and to lead forces to organise the beach area, but the action must not affect tourists,” Mr Chalermpong said.
“As for complaints about receiving benefits, the agency will appoint a committee to investigate and find out the truth,” he concluded.