PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN: Ao Manao beach, a popular tourist attraction overseen by the Royal Thai Air Force, will reopen to the public on July 1, but the number of visitors will be limited to 1,700 a day.
Wing 5 commander Grp Capt Chayos Sawansan said on Friday the reopening of Ao Manao, in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, was part of the fourth phase of lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Facilities at the popular tourist beach, such as accommodation and restaurants, would be managed in line with "new normal’’ measures. Social distancing would be strictly observed, with the number of visitors limited to 1,700 a day. During festivals, as many as 8,000 people visited the beach, the commander said.
He said 500 people would be able to book rooms through Wing 5, and another 1,200 people would be allowed on the beach to swim. The number of tables and sunbeds would be reduced and there would be space between them. Visitors would be checked in at the entrance to the beach.
When the number of casual visitors reached 1,200, no more would be allowed in, Grp Capt Chayos said.
Visitors would have to comply with Covid-19 prevention measures, particularly during the coming four-day weekend marking Asarnha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent (khao phansa), from July 4-7.
Only one entrance gate would be open, on the northern side of Wing 5, from 6am to 6pm. Four teams of lifeguards, each of two members, would be on duty along the beach.
Ao Manao bay in Prachuap Khiri Khan. (Photo: Chaiwat Satyaem)
Wing 5 commander Gp Capt Chayos Sawansan (right) leads officers to inspect the beach on Friday. (Photo: Chaiwat Satyaem)
