Image: Daily News
Daily News reported that a trip to Bang Saen beach in Chonburi used to be a very Thai day out.
People would pile onto a noisy bus smoking and drinking.
Once at the seaside they would continue with their cigarettes and alcohol consumption; it would be noisy, full of eating from hawkers and then leaving the mess of foam containers behind.
No more.
Now there is a complete ban on the consumption and sale of alcohol. And smoking means a 5,000 baht fine unless it's done in airport style enclosed booths.
A one kilometer stretch of the beach is for mat use only. Hawkers are banned so that tourists can have a peaceful experience.
No foam containers can be used.
The changes are being met with approval from the public and even vendors.
Now Bang Saen's new approach is being branded as "Clean lungs, Healthy Liver - and 'Happy Heart" (a play on the area that is Saensuk municipality.
Saensuk mayor Narongchai "Lek" Khunpluem is behind the remodelling. He comes from an influential Chonburi family well known for getting their way in the past.
But his fresh faced approach and social media savvy is winning friends.
Mayor Narongchai said that the changes to Bang Saen are based on the fact this is a public space where certain laws can be applied.
He said that in the past he was always getting complaints about second hand cigarette smoke and he claimed that 100% of people who died in the sea had gone for a dip drunk.
Local businesses are onboard with the changes especially as weekends have seen Thai tourists flock to Bang Saen post height of the pandemic. The ease of travel to the resort from Bangkok always made it popular with day trippers but now it is thriving with a new breed.
A NIDA poll showed rave reviews regarding Covid-19 safety and said it was a good place to take the family.
Suwimon Srithongdee, 59, a beverage seller said she used to sell alcohol among her wares.
Not doing so now has not affected her business at all and an added benefit is that people do not drive drunk back home.
Source: Daily News
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