I just read in Thaivisa forum (Phuket sub-forum) that this Thursday, police and military have been seen both in Pattaya Beach and Jomtian Beach measuring beach operators spaces. Some are said to be summoned to Police Station for "trespassing on public land". All seemed not happy at all with these visits. I do not know if our Dongtan Beach was concerned but I can only guess it was too.
This follows a major clampdown on Phuket beach operators, where I understand most sunbeds and umbrellas have been removed from the beach ; this will probably leave most oncoming tourists very confused to say the least.
It seems the situation in Pattaya and Jomtien was clearer, all operators having a proper contract with the City Hall ; however it seems some beach operators have stretched their spaces further than allowed. All this will probably result in less available chairs and more free space for those who bring their own equipment. I wonder if this possible new organisation will give enough space for all tourists especially in high seasion where, it seems, chairs and sunbeds are hard to get. It could also cause a hike in prices, which obviously would not be good news.