Phuket beach vendors protest with national anthem

PHUKET: Dozens of Phuket beach vendors gathered at the Patong Police Station and sang Thailand’s national anthem yesterday, after they were forced off the beach by police and municipality officers.

“The Navy told us that we were allowed – that only umbrella vendors were prohibited,” one vendor told the Phuket Gazette.

“We are just trying to make a living. Why can’t we sell drinks and small goods on the beach?”

Patong Police Superintendent Chiraphat Phochanaphan told the crowd that his officers were following strict orders.

“We are enforcing the law as it has been handed down by the National Council for Peace and Order,” Col Chiraphat said.

“We understand that you wish to carry on with your businesses so you can make a living, but it is beyond our authority to allow you to do so.”

The vendors’ claims follow a statement from the Royal Thai Navy last week confirming that any vendor who is found setting up umbrellas or walking on the beach selling goods or beverages will be charged for encroaching on public land (story here).

Col Chiraphat reiterated what the Navy confirmed last week, making it clear to the vendors that they would not be allowed back on the beaches.

“Please note that the recent order from the Navy states that vendors are only allowed to operate on private land,” he said.

In response to Col Chiraphat’s words, the crowd sang the national anthem before departing from the station.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong