Phuket beach vendors push back at military attempt to clear Patong beach
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More than 100 Phuket beach vendors surrounded Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsab and Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong as they, with the backing of military personnel, attempted to clear Patong Beach Wednesday morning.
"This is where we earn a living; we have been here for many years. We are not harming anybody. Why would you stop us from earning a living to support our families," one local vendor asked Mr Sayan.
Sayan explained they were merely following orders.
"We are here for beach management, as we were ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] to re-establish order on the beaches," Sayan said.
"We are not stopping you from earning a living. After this, Patong Municipality will be able to implement new plans for how the beach will be managed and how you can earn a living."
Phuket Gazette
