The death of Surin beach

Surin beach in Phuket was arguably Phuket's most attractive beach. Visited by people in the know from Patong as well as local expats and even the rich and famous such as Kate Moss and Rihanna, the beach was famous for its beach clubs, the forerunner of which was Catch, and restaurants ranging from the local food of the Twin Brothers restaurant to the more upmarket Taste.

In truth, things had got a little out of hand with encroachment of the beach by nearly all establishments. It had got to the point where it was almost impossible to be able to walk unimpeded along the beach. Some businesses had more or less completely taken over the beach in front of them even to the extent that one beach club had declared the beach in front of them as a private beach.

Along came the coup and it was declared that everything on the beach side of the road along the beach had to be removed but the fate of the bars and restaurants on the other side of the road was unclear a first. This appeared to be a sensible move. However after protracted deliberations the powers that be decided that all the restaurants were illegal and eventually everything was removed.

Surin beach has died, of that there is no question. Maybe in the future, as the Thais promise, it will be resurrected but certainly not as a world class beach destination for the mainly young, rich and famous.

See for yourself.