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Hello everyone

Life was slowly getting back to normal after a period of upheaval, but one thing was missing from my daily routine – the simple joy of dropping off my son at school. Still, I pressed on, and one morning, around 7 am, I decided to head towards Patong Beach in my car.

The distance wasn't much, just about 20 kilometers from my house. However, the journey had its quirks, especially when dealing with the notorious Patong Hill during the morning rush. The traffic was a mess, a slow-moving stream of vehicles that looked more like a chaotic puzzle than an orderly flow.

What made the drive particularly nerve-wracking were the fearless motorbike riders. They zoomed by at crazy speeds, squeezing through tight spaces as if they had a death wish. It was a heart-in-your-throat experience, to say the least.

Originally, I had planned to visit Patong Beach in the evening, aiming to catch the stunning sunset. But the heavy traffic and the nightmare of finding parking turned that idea into a headache. Waiting endlessly in traffic wasn't my idea of a good time, so I decided to change things up.

The drive from my house to Patong Beach was just 20 kilometers, but it felt like a journey through a maze. It took nearly an hour to navigate the bustling streets, reminiscent of my experiences in Tak Province where traffic was a far cry from the chaos here. The contrast was striking.

The roads leading to Patong Beach seemed to defy logic, with vehicles jostling for space and inching forward at a snail's pace. The memory of Tak Province, where the roads flowed smoothly and congestion was a foreign concept, played in my mind as I patiently maneuvered through the hectic traffic.

As I finally pulled into Patong Beach, the view of the vast sea stretched out before me, and all the stress from the journey melted away. The calming waves, the soft sand, and the gentle sea breeze created a serene atmosphere. It was a stark juxtaposition to the frenetic energy of the road.

I parked my car, took a deep breath, and immersed myself in the beauty of Patong Beach. The turquoise waters sparkled under the sunlight, and the distant sounds of waves crashing provided a soothing soundtrack. It was a moment of tranquility, a reminder that sometimes the journey, no matter how chaotic, was worth it for the destination.

I found a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle, and let the beauty of Patong Beach wash over me. The contrast between the challenging drive and the peaceful beach underscored the magic of this coastal paradise. In the end, the hour-long struggle through traffic was a small price to pay for the serenity that awaited me at Patong Beach.

In the early morning light, Patong Beach buzzed with activity as tourists jogged along the shoreline and others settled into what used to be an open area for morning sunbathing. However, a noticeable change had taken place, transforming the once-pristine beachfront into a scene adorned with rows of sunbeds.

Years ago, the government in Phuket had implemented a decree prohibiting the use of sunbeds on its beaches. The rationale behind this decision was clear: the sunbeds obstructed the breathtaking view of the sea, a view that had long been a highlight for beachgoers. The absence of these structures allowed for an unimpeded connection with the natural beauty of the coastline.

Recently, a shift in government policy had ushered in a new era. Sunbeds and umbrellas were now a part of the beach landscape, catering to the comfort and leisure of tourists. The morning, once characterized by the simplicity of open beach space, now featured a more structured layout with rows of sunbeds.

As I observed the changes, I couldn't help but reflect on the charm of the beach as it once was. The unobstructed view of the sea had been a defining feature, and the recent introduction of sunbeds seemed to compromise that essence. For me, the beauty of Patong Beach lay in its natural allure, and the intrusion of sunbeds disrupted the harmony that nature had crafted.

Preferences on such matters are subjective, and the evolving dynamics of beachfront regulations highlight the delicate balance between catering to tourist comforts and preserving the intrinsic beauty of the environment. In my perspective, the simplicity of an open beach without sunbeds allowed for a more authentic and immersive experience, where the sea could take center stage, unobstructed and undisturbed.

As I walked along Patong Beach, I couldn't help but notice the abundance of small seashells scattered across the sand. It was like nature's little exhibition, with each step I took creating a soft crunch beneath my feet. These tiny treasures seemed to be the aftermath of the waves playing their constant game of give and take with the shoreline.

I took a moment to consider the patterns of the seasons. During the peak season, the waves were more subdued, not as boisterous as they could be during the rainy season. This made a significant difference for the fate of the seashells. The gentle waves of the peak season allowed the shells to stay put, resisting the pull of the tide as it retreated back to the ocean.

In contrast, the rainy season brought about a different scenario. The waves, higher and more forceful, posed a threat to the seashells' newfound homes. It was a reminder that nature's moods and rhythms played a significant role in shaping the coastal landscape.

In this season, Patong Beach saw a daily influx of large and beautiful tourist boats dropping anchor along its shore. The vibrant vessels, adorned with colorful flags and sails, created a striking contrast against the backdrop of the clear blue sky and the expanse of sandy beach.

Patong Beach, typically known for its sunbathers and swimmers, now hosted a diverse array of activities thanks to these majestic tourist boats. It was a testament to the multifaceted appeal of the destination, drawing people not only to its sandy shores but also to the boundless adventures awaiting just beyond the horizon.