Umbrellas and mats are in, but chairs are virtually out on Phuket beaches following Tuesday's clarification of “no summer dream” rules imposed at the southern resort last week.
Phuket governor Nisit Chansomwong attempted to clear the air today about the regulations introduced Thursday via clumsily worded flyers distributed to tourists. While the A4-sized sheets clearly stated "no beach chairs on the beach" in Thai, they left foreign tourists scratching their heads over the English text stating "no summer dream on beach start 12 Feb 2015".
Mr Nisit said the rules will allow people to use chairs, umbrellas, mats or pillows in specified zones covering about 10% of the sand. However, the province will not allow chairs elsewhere.
“No summer dream on beach” reads the flyer distributed in Phuket last week. In Thai, it clearly states “no beach chairs on beach”, but the English left foreign tourists scratching their heads. (P news Phuket Facebook page)
The province called a meeting of local tourism operators to discuss ground rules and public relations about the regulations. The province decided to let hoteliers and retailers explain the rules to tourists due to the language limitations of public officials.
The confusing flyers and lack of official explanation led to numerous conflicts over the weekend, both on the beach and online.
A Facebook community page called "P news Phuket" posted images of tourists complaining that police took beach chairs from them and as well as photos of the "no summer dream" flyers.
Later the page posted images of a large group of tourists gathering at Kamala police station asking for an explanation about the new regulations. Another Facebook user, Phuying Lalla, uploaded a video clip showing that police finally allowed foreigners to bring their own chairs to use on the beach.
The issue was also discussed on the popular Pantip web board with netizens expressing both agreement and disagreement with the police's action. Some supported the regulations initiated by the National Council for Peace and Order to return public beachfronts to the people and get rid of crime gangs offering beach chairs and umbrella rentals.
However, some people criticised the police's behaviour as unfriendly and possibly discouraging to tourists who visit Phuket. Many also extended sympathy to tourists who were unable to obtain convenient facilities.