Deckchair operators want to expand business on Phukets Patong Beach

Operators of deckchair and umbrella concessions on Phuket’s Patong Beach are seeking permission from local authorities to double the number of chairs and umbrellas, claiming that the existing quantity is insufficient to meet the demand from the increasing number of tourists.


Currently, only 10% of the Patong Beach has been allocated to about 60 operators, under a new order to limit their domination of the entire beach, which obstruct views of the beach and sea.


The operators say that they were greatly affected by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years because there were fewer tourists, adding that people are now having to queue up due to a lack of chairs.


According to the Phuket airport immigration daily report, 304,072 tourists arrived in Phuket between November 1st and December 6th. Most were Russian tourists (> 81,000), followed by about 35,000 from India, 17,000 from Australia and those from Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, Kazakhstan and Malaysia.


After Thailand designated COVID-19 as “disease under watch”, 1,522,615 foreign tourists arrived in Phuket between July 1st and December 6th.

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Translation: "We want to rip off everyone who comes onto the beach".

Truly, foresight and organisation is beyond them.

Talks To Address Patong Beach Encroachment By Beach Umbrella Providers

An influx of visitors to Phuket has resulted in a deficiency in the number of sun loungers and beach umbrellas on Patong beach. Due to the demand, some providers of the items have been encroaching beyond the allowable area. Talks will now be held on whether to allocate additional areas for the sun loungers. Consideration will be given to tourist safety and the preservation of a good ambiance at the beach.


Patong beach in Phuket has become reinvigorated with the presence of tourists from Europe, Russia, India, Australia, Singapore, and the UK. Thais are also favoring holidays in the island province. The influx of tourists means there are no longer enough sun loungers and beach umbrellas for visitors.


Providers of sun loungers and beach umbrellas have also breached regulations as the items encroached beyond the allowable extent in some spots on the beach. The regulation stipulates that the items may only take up 10% of the space on the beach, which stretches for about 3 kilometers.


Prichawut Kisin, chairman of the association representing sun lounger providers on Patong beach, addressed complaints about the items being placed beyond the allowable extent. His association viewed the zone for sun loungers should be expanded to 20% in the high season while remaining at 10% of the beach area in the low season. The association is preparing to file for permission to expand the sun loungers zone.


Mr. Prichawut added discussions will be had with relevant agencies about massage providers on the beach. The talks will also include the issue of people who come to the beach to sell goods and services at night. He said the talks are aimed at instilling safety and confidence in tourists.


Mr. Prichawut said the association is also proposing the green area at the beach be expanded by planting plants such as bayhops and thatch screwpines. The plants will help preserve the upper soil layer at the beach.

Talks To Address Patong Beach Encroachment By Beach Umbrella Providers

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Mr. Prichawut said the association is also proposing the green area at the beach be expanded by planting plants such as bayhops and thatch screwpines.

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That sounds remarkably Victorian.

Will they also be clearing the beach of wastrels and ne'er-do-wells?

Surely his should be in the "LOUNGE":smileylaughing: