Local villagers gathered at the site last Thursday (Mar 7) to protest access to the beach being closed off by a private landowner. The protest gained immediate attention by officials, who moved to unravel claims to the land on which a public road was built to provide access to the beach.
The plans reviewed by Governor Sophon yesterday were to install lights at the beach area and to organise trash collection from the area.
Joining Governor Sophon for the inspection were Saransak Srikruenaet, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), along with a host of officials from Ratsada Municipality and other local government offices.
“Today we came to Laem Nga to inspect the area and talk with the landowner. Who have kindly opened the area to go down to the public beach,” Governor Sophon said.
“However, the Phuket Provincial Office and related agencies must help take care of safety and the matter of waste management,” he added.
“At the same time, the Muang Phuket District Chief and Ratsada Mayor have been assigned to organise guards to be on duty to maintain security, and organise rubbish bins and lighting at the entrance,” he said.
“We are also discussing having two ‘Pho Thong’ buses to facilitate tourists travelling into the Laem Nga area. If the move to have Pho Thong buses provided is supported, it will make it more convenient because the road space is narrow and there is no parking,” Governor Sophon explained.
“We also ask people to not set up sunbeds and umbrellas, or set up any sales outlets at all, at the beach. We want it to be a natural beach for the people of Phuket and so tourists can really experience nature,” he said.
“And thank you to the owner of the area who has opened a path to be able to travel to the beach, which helps to promote tourism to the area. Many tourists came to the beach before COVID-19,” he added, noting that they will now have the opportunity to visit the beach again.
“After this there will be a Big Cleaning Day at Laem Nga, including pruning trees in the area to ensure safety for the people,” Governor Sophon said.
“I would like to leave a message to the local residents and tourists who will travel to Laem Nga. Please follow the recommendations of Ratsada Municipality, which will post signs for people to observe, such as warning against littering and setting up any shops to sell things, including sunbed and beach umbrella services,” he added.
“People are asked to strictly observe this so many people can come to fish and play in the water. Your children and grandchildren will be able to come to play in the water, because Laem Nga is a beach for everyone,” Governor Sophon concluded.
While the Governor was at the beach yesterday, local residents came to enjoy the first day of the beach being reclaimed. Governor Sophon also joined a quick cleanup of picking up trash that had washed ashore.