7 vendors arrested in Patong beach zoning crackdown
7 vendors arrested in Patong beach zoning crackdown — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
Seven vendors were arrested on Wednesday, May 6, during a Patong beach zoning crackdown in Phuket, where Kathu district officials said they were enforcing regulations on the use of public beachfront space. Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Sutthirak Jitsupap told the Phuket Express the coordinated operation targeted vendors who placed umbrellas and beach chairs outside designated zones.
Patong Municipality filed charges against the seven vendors and imposed fines under local regulations.
Wider enforcement expands from Patong to Bang Tao
Officials said they also explained the rules to those arrested and urged them to comply to avoid repeat violations.
The district said stricter enforcement is intended to maintain order on Patong Beach and keep the seafront welcoming and visually orderly.
The operation follows a broader push on beach encroachment elsewhere on the island. On April 29, provincial officials launched a separate coordinated effort to reclaim more than five rai of public land illegally occupied along Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay, Thalang.
Deputy Governor Adul Chuthong led an inspection at Bang Tao Beach as provincial authorities stepped up enforcement of public beach regulations.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/06/seven-vendors-arrested-for-violating-beach-regulations-in-patong/
