Hundreds of Phuket locals came together on Yamu Beach today, to demand that the beach be returned to the public domain.
It comes after an event a few days ago, in which a Swiss resident of a fancy villa on the beach was accused of attacking a female Thai doctor for alleged trespassing.
The doctor reported that she and a friend sat on the villa's staircase, thinking it was a public beach. Suddenly, a Swiss man, who claimed to be the villa's tenant, allegedly kicked her in the back, accusing her of trespassing. The doctor was also scolded by the man's Thai wife.
Following this, the doctor filed a complaint with Chalong district police, alleging assault. However, the accused man stated that he did not kick her but had slipped on the staircase, striking the doctor with his leg.
The couple later apologized to the doctor and retracted the trespassing accusation. However, the incident sparked a movement to deport the Swiss national, called David, and have local authorities investigate all Phuket beaches to determine if they are illegally occupied by real estate developers, depriving public access.
Many Phuket residents confess that they have never visited Yamu Beach because they believed it is private property.
Yamu Beach is in Village 7 in Pa Khlok sub-district of Chalong district. It is a tranquil beach with numerous luxurious villas. The Thai doctor’s experience and the attention it has garnered in the media have brought the status of Phuket’s beaches into focus.
