PHUKET: Limits must be placed on Phuket's jet-skis because ''nobody wants them'' and the machines are a constant source of deaths, injuries and scams, Phuket's Governor said today.
Although he has just two days left in charge, Governor Nisit Jansomwong was keen to make the point today that no more jet-skis are allowed on Phuket and that their use is limited to six places.
As well as Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bang Tao and Naka island, there are recent sightings of jet-skis being hired out at Surin, Kata Noi and other beaches, along with parasailers that are limited to the same six beaches.
What Governor Nisit did not say was that the division of Patong, once Phuket's premium swimming beach, into striped zones for jet-ski hire and swimming has destroyed the chances of it retaining its position as one of the world's best public beaches.
With the dismal future of Patong beach obvious for everyone except jet-ski operators, their touts and their lobbyists comes the sounding of the death knell for tourism in the island's west coast hub.
Figures for jet-skis that Governor Nisit gave today showed just how alarming the situation has become - remembering especially that in 2002, the jet-skis were all supposed to be phased out over seven years.
There are 170 jet-skis registered at Patong, 38 at Kata-Karon, 26 at Kamala, 40 at Bang Tao and 12 at Naka island - a relatively new introduction authorised by Marine Office 5.
Phuket Marine Office 5 director, Phuripat Theerakulpisut, has been told by the governor that there must be no more jet-skis - but Khun Phurtipat told Phuketwan some years ago that if any governor wanted to get rid of the jet-skis, it would be his job as Marine 5 director to assist in their removal.
The incoming governor, Jamleran Tipayapongtada, has plenty of experience as a former Phuket vice governor and may be the man to give Khun Phuripat that order.
As Governor Nisit says, nobody wants them. So why are jet-skis still here?
Although he has just two days left in charge, Governor Nisit Jansomwong was keen to make the point today that no more jet-skis are allowed on Phuket and that their use is limited to six places.
As well as Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bang Tao and Naka island, there are recent sightings of jet-skis being hired out at Surin, Kata Noi and other beaches, along with parasailers that are limited to the same six beaches.
What Governor Nisit did not say was that the division of Patong, once Phuket's premium swimming beach, into striped zones for jet-ski hire and swimming has destroyed the chances of it retaining its position as one of the world's best public beaches.
With the dismal future of Patong beach obvious for everyone except jet-ski operators, their touts and their lobbyists comes the sounding of the death knell for tourism in the island's west coast hub.
Figures for jet-skis that Governor Nisit gave today showed just how alarming the situation has become - remembering especially that in 2002, the jet-skis were all supposed to be phased out over seven years.
There are 170 jet-skis registered at Patong, 38 at Kata-Karon, 26 at Kamala, 40 at Bang Tao and 12 at Naka island - a relatively new introduction authorised by Marine Office 5.
Phuket Marine Office 5 director, Phuripat Theerakulpisut, has been told by the governor that there must be no more jet-skis - but Khun Phurtipat told Phuketwan some years ago that if any governor wanted to get rid of the jet-skis, it would be his job as Marine 5 director to assist in their removal.
The incoming governor, Jamleran Tipayapongtada, has plenty of experience as a former Phuket vice governor and may be the man to give Khun Phuripat that order.
As Governor Nisit says, nobody wants them. So why are jet-skis still here?
Phuripat Theerakulpisut has been in charge whilst all the jetski problems have increased exponentially.
Posted by Arun Muruga on September 28, 2015 15:05