Seven operators were charged following an inspection last week by Patong Municipality, Kathu District Office and Patong Police officers.
Patong Council President Weerawit Krueasombat explained, “While Patong Beach already has clearly authorised service zones approved by the province, more operators have recently begun setting up outside boundaries.”
“We found seven operators placing chairs and items outside the permitted zones. If we don’t enforce the rules now, the entire beach will eventually become a free-for-all,” he said.
He stressed that the policy must be strict: beach chairs, umbrellas and similar items are allowed only in areas officially designated by the province.
“If there is no enforcement, everyone will believe they can use the beach however they want, and it will become harder to control later,” he added.
“Patong Municipality has prepared to establish a permanent checkpoint directly along the beachfront to ensure ongoing inspections and immediate penalties,” Mr Weerawit said.
“A large amount of equipment was confiscated during yesterday’s operation, all connected to the seven new offenders,” he noted.
The inspection was led by Deputy Mayors Awut Nuchet and Prasan Prateep Na-Thalang. Along with Palad of Patong Municipality Thongchai Theprod, joined by Sikrin Anilbon, Deputy District Chief of Kathu, Lt Col Montree Mukwat of Patong Police, and other relevant officials.
Police officers and Patong Municipality team seized equipment, issued fines and confirmed that legal action is now underway.