Phuket lifeguard services ‘won’t be interupted’ 

Of the four beaches in Muang Phuket district, Nai Harn Beach and Yanui Beach fall under the responsibility of Rawai Municipality, while Kata Beach and Karon Beach are under the Karon Municipality. Two beaches are located in Kathu district – Patong Beach, which is under Patong Municipality, and Kamala Beach, which is under Kamala Municipality – while there are five beaches in Thalang district: Mai Khao Beach, Naiyang Beach, Naithorn Beach, Bangtao Beach and Surin Beach.
Each local administration organisation will take care of the beaches in its area. They will receive support from officials from local OrBorTors, defence volunteers, Royal Thai Navy Area 3, police, beachfront hotel lifeguards and some lifeguard volunteers who worked for the previous contractor.
All will support each other in keeping the beaches safe until the Phuket Municipality Office is able to secure a lifeguard company to take over the now-vacant contract.
“After the OrBorJor announced the direct hiring of the lifeguards for two months at a wage of Bt14,000 per month, about 30-40 per cent of [guards from the previous contractor] have applied so far. As for long-term employment, we will have to have further discussions,” said Governor Norraphat Plodthong.
“During this short period, I would like to assure everyone that our beaches are safe with lifeguard patrols continuing on the beaches.
“In each local administration office there are signs and equipment to enforce beach safety as well as at the OrBorJor office.
“We have also organised some support from beach business operators. There will be no gap from when the existing contract finished yesterday (Saturday), and there will be lifeguards on the beach as always.
“In addition, there will be patrol boats from the Royal Thai Navy Area 3 at each beach.”