Party snaps put beach at risk of closure

Narongchai Kunplome, the mayor of Muang Saen Suk municipality in Chon Buri, has threatened to close the famous Bang Saen beach after reports of parties and mass gatherings emerged.

The mayor issued the warning yesterday after images of people congregating on the beach went viral on social media.

Saen Suk municipality eased its coronavirus curbs on May 3, including allowing the conditional reopening of public spaces, parks and beaches after over a month of lockdown.

“The municipality had intended to open Bang Saen beach for all activities in June, but we might reconsider and close the whole beach down instead because there are reports of violations,” Mr Narongchai wrote on the municipality’s Facebook site.

This was after netizens posted pictures on the page of people picnicking and drinking liquor on the beach — actions that contravened government restrictions to prevent Covid-19 transmission.

Public spaces have been reopened for individual exercise but mass gatherings remain banned.

Residents in the relatively quiet and close-knit community of Bang Saen are reported to be worried about a rise in Covid-19 infections after the easing of the lockdown.

Following the posting of the images on Facebook, residents petitioned the mayor to close road access to some parts of the beach in Khao Sam Muk, Laem Thaen and along Bang Saen Sai 1 Road.

Mr Narongchai said he will discuss the matter with local officials and consider a ban if people continue to flout social-distancing rules.