PATTAYA, THAILAND – A beach operator at Jomtien was suspended for 15 days after city officials found that public land had been illegally cordoned off and used as a private parking area, in a move to protect free beach access and the resort’s international image.
Inspection triggers 15-day shutdown
The decision followed an afternoon inspection on 18 February led by Wuthisak Rermkijakarn, deputy mayor of Pattaya, together with specialists in environmental health and tourism. Inspectors focused on operators renting umbrellas and beach chairs near the outer city limits, where authorities had recently stepped up their presence to restore order and safeguard public access.
Public space blocked for private parking
During the site visit, officials found that one operator had fenced off part of the public area to reserve spaces for parking, which they said was a clear violation of Pattaya’s beach management regulations. The city then ordered an immediate suspension of operations for 15 days, in line with sanctions set out in the municipal rulebook.
Beaches declared a public asset
Deputy Mayor Wuthisak stressed that Pattaya’s beaches were shared public assets rather than private extensions of commercial businesses that could expand at will.
“The beaches of Pattaya are community public assets, not private extensions of commercial operators that can spread out there as they please.”
said Wuthisak Rermkijakarn, deputy mayor.
He announced that regulations would be enforced consistently to ensure fair use of the area, adequate service quality for tourists and a positive image of the city as an international holiday destination.
Warning of tougher penalties for repeat offenses
City representatives also made clear that unauthorized parking operations, staking out zones or any kind of blockade of public areas would no longer be tolerated. Officials warned that repeated violations could result in longer suspensions or even the permanent loss of usage rights for the affected operators.
Part of wider beach clean-up drive
The inspection at Jomtien Beach formed part of an ongoing program to tighten beach regulations, with a focus on heavily frequented tourist zones. In areas such as Jomtien, where complaints about land grabs and disorder had increased, the city aimed to create visibly more structure and clear rules through regular inspections.