Phuket officials have initiated an urgent cleanup operation at Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Patong Beach to address concerns over the negative impact on tourism. The initiative aims to remove excessive beach umbrellas and sunbeds, ensuring the beaches remain attractive to visitors.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent cleanup operation initiated at Karon, Kata, and Patong Beaches.
- Focus on removing excessive beach umbrellas and sunbeds.
- Aim to boost tourism and maintain beach attractiveness.
The Cleanup Initiative
Phuket’s local administration, led by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, has decided to implement swift cleaning actions at the popular beaches of Hat Karon, Hat Kata, and Hat Patong. The primary focus is on removing rented beach umbrellas and sunbeds that clutter the beach areas and obstruct public walkways.
During a recent meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Economic Development, Governor Sophon emphasized the need for more effective management of these beach assets. He pointed out that the current state of Hat Karon is particularly concerning, as excessive rentals are blocking public pathways and potentially deterring visitors.
Zoning and Regulations
To address these issues, the local Tambon office of Hat Karon plans to introduce zoning regulations in collaboration with tour operators. These regulations will control the number of rentals and remove unsightly billboards from the beachfront. The goal is to limit the area occupied by sunbeds and umbrellas to no more than 10% of the beach, a strategy that has already been successfully implemented at Hat Patong.
Phan Thongchumnum, Vice President of Prince of Songkla University, supported this approach, highlighting the importance of considering visitor preferences. He noted that tourists generally prefer less crowded beach areas.
Proactive Measures and Challenges
Sutjapol Thongsom from the Phuket Chamber of Commerce advised local authorities to adopt a proactive stance in managing beach regulations. He warned that while swift action is necessary, it could face resistance from local stakeholders. However, he stressed the importance of addressing the issue comprehensively to prevent long-term damage to the tourism sector.
Officials who neglect or refuse to undertake the cleanup could face legal consequences, as maintaining the beaches is crucial for the province’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism as a major source of foreign exchange.
Conclusion
These initiatives reflect Phuket’s commitment to preserving its beaches as vital economic assets while ensuring they remain accessible and attractive to both locals and tourists. By implementing effective management and zoning regulations, Phuket aims to enhance the natural beauty and appeal of its beaches, thereby boosting tourism and supporting the local economy.
Sources
- Phuket plant Reinigung von Stränden, DER FARANG.
- Phuket launches urgent cleanup to boost tourism on Karon Beach | Thaiger, Thaiger.
