About 300 Pattaya beach chair vendors were briefed on new operating rules and given basic training in responding to marine accidents.
Chonburi Deputy Mayor Chawalit Saeng-Uthai, Maj. Gen. Nirandorn Samutsakorn of the 14th Military Circle, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Pattaya administrators led the Feb. 11 session, which was positioned as training to prepare vendors for increased numbers of tourists once the ASEAN Economic Community begins late this year.
Vendors were told that the city, province and military recently combined to reorganize chair vendors to provide better service, more open space for tourists and tidy up the beach front.
Chonburi Deputy Mayor Chawalit Saeng-Uthai presides over the latest training program for beach chair vendors.
Under the new system, Pattaya Beach, at 2.96 kilometers, has 134 beach chair operators operating on 265 sections covering 1.16 km., or 39.8 percent, leaving 1.76 km., or 60.23 percent, free for the public.
Jomtien Beach is 5.9 km. long and has 453 beach-chair operators operating on 453 sections covering 2.47 km., or 41.9 percent, leaving 3.43 km., or 58.1 percent, free space for the public.
All chairs and umbrellas are removed from the beaches every Wednesday.
Officials said beach-chair operators are the nearest persons to tourists in the sea and can provide services and aid in the event of emergencies, such as marine accidents. They can give aid to tourists and coordinate with authorities quickly. The training was organized to prepare operators to create a good image for tourism.
The vendors also were reminded of the nine main new rules: Chair-rental rates will be 40 baht per person per day. Rubber rings will be rented at 80 baht per day for adults and 40 baht for children. Prices for non-alcoholic beverages must be printed clear on a menu and subject to inspection by the city.
Food prices also are to be clearly specified and subject to inspection. Operators must have identification in Thai and English posted and there can be no more than three workers per section. All workers must wear clean and appropriate uniforms.
In order to sell on the beach, a proper application form must be completed. The transfer of operating licenses can only be done with family members. And all vendors are subject to subject to fines, suspension or license-revocation for violating the rules.
