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Patong Beach Carved Up Between Swimmers and Jet-Skis in Mayor's Plan
By Prasit Tarnsirisin Friday, November 7, 2014
PHUKET: Swimmers at Patong beach will have three zones each of 500 metres, separated by two jet-ski zones of 300 metres each, the Mayor of Patong, Chalermlak Kebsub, said today.
She was speaking at a meeting of Patong and Kamala authorities to settle the issue of what's allowed on Phuket's main swimming beaches this high season.
Mayor Chalermlak said she met with Royal Thai Navy 3 Commander Vice Admiral Saiyan Prasongsomret the previous day and he had approved the concept, which replaces a more complicated plan for as many as 16 smaller outlets for jet-skis.
The zoning, marked by buoys, is likely to be introduced quickly.
Phuketwan found that masseuses at Patong beach were already being accommodated yesterday under Patong council salas at the rear of the beach.
The meeting, held at the Department of Disaster prevention and Mitigation offices in Phuket City, heard from Mayor Chalermlak that Patong suffered from ''trouble with the bad guys.''
Most vendors and masseuses, she said, were happy to work within the rules.
The 500 metre zones for swimmers, alternating with 300 metre zones for jet-skis, will begin from the Sea Pearl Resort and alternate north along the beach.
A similar system is likely to be introduced at Kamala.
Phuket has 286 registered jet-skis, with the largest number at Patong. Jet-ski trolleys are not supposed to deliver jet-skis to Patong beach after 9am and are not permitted to travel to excess along the beach.
Danger is greatest at high tide, when the beach is likely to be crowded and space for swimmers and jet-skis becomes more precious.
Calls for jet-skis to be banned intensified this week with the death of a Russian tourist in a jet-ski crash at Patong. However, authorities have opted to ignore the calls.
Parasailers, perhaps the most dangerous of all the activities at Patong beach, were not mentioned but Phuketwan found at least two operating to the danger of sunbakers on Patong beach yesterday.
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Comments
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Rather than making compulsory that all jet-skis are located to one single place on the beach with a 150-meter corridor, delimited by 2 lines with buoys on 300 meters in the sea for exit and entry of jet-skis, the Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut has opted to park thousands of tourist inside small areas delimited by buoys.
By giving a limited space to jet-ski operators, it would have been easier to control them.
Posted by
Whistle-Blower
on
November 7, 2014 16:54
A total Disgrace for Thailand and Phuket. permitted by few loved by none... RIP Phuket beaches....
Posted by
frog
on
November 7, 2014 17:01
I do not know what to say, the future will tell us what was right. I still think it's very bad for phuket, but money rules the world. In ten years they will still cry, what they did. They have forgiven such a great chance to make the beach clean and safe.
Posted by
steve
on
November 7, 2014 17:31
Grasping for something positive, it's at least an alternative to the ridiculous Marine Office rules. Never doubt the power of the jet ski mob. Whatever rules are decided upon, will be ignored. Question: Why are multiple jet ski zones needed?
Posted by
Pinot
on
November 7, 2014 17:56
Realistically it is difficult to expect more for now. If that delimitation will be in indeed place and be obeyed , then that will be already a big leap forward in terms of swimmers, bathers, waders and strollers security.
Posted by
Sue
on
November 7, 2014 18:13
And the merry-go-round keeps on spinning. One minute the Marine Office is responsible for the water, then the Mayor is changing plans and making new ones (having consulted the Navy). Perhaps one day authorities can make up their mind who is responsible for what, stick to it, inform the public, and then the relevant authorities make intelligent decisions in the best interest of the majority public.
A new independent body with no input from Navy/ local municipality/ Governor's office/ Police etc. etc. would be the sensible approach.
Posted by
Duncan
on
November 7, 2014 20:08
Editor Comment:
Indeed. Although the Royal Thai Navy is most effective at enforcement. We think.
"Patong Tourists to be Carved Up By Jet-Skis and Parasailers in Mayor's Plan"
Posted by
Sandy Shores
on
November 7, 2014 23:25
One of the oldest, most famous groups of scammers / ripoffs in Thailand get a green light to carry on... UNBELIEVABLE THAILAND!
Posted by
DG
on
November 8, 2014 01:20
This whole thing is just another example of re shuffling the deck and coming out with the same mess...However, based on this new idea..I think the smarter move should have been to put the two 300 meter jet ski spaces at each end (bookends) and the three 500 meter stretches back to back in the center..regardless..we still don't know about the para sailers....any future incidents cannot be classified as accidents anymore as all these new plans are inevitable damaging events waiting to happen
Posted by
sky
on
November 8, 2014 06:58
Wouldn't we all like to know who is the real power behind the jet skis. They are not individuals - that is clear. They must have a VERY powerful sponsor.
Posted by
Logic
on
November 8, 2014 07:12
I hope many many people take picture and movie every day about this jet-ski and parasailers, and put picture and movie on FaceBook and You tube every day + send a copy to Phuket Wan.
Posted by
Bjorn Ronningen
on
November 8, 2014 08:13
this is why more tourists go to bali than phuket...administrators have to ask themselves why... its simple ... a little like the definition of insanity...doing the same thing every day and expecting a different result!
wake up to yourselves...get rid of the corruption ... get rid of many of these jet skis and parasailing clowns and scam artists...set down one area... the area near the bus stop is good! But do something constructive on this and then you can look to the benefits of better tourism.
Posted by
abigmagilla
on
November 8, 2014 08:15
So, no businesses on the beach - unless you are a bullying thug with a noisy jetski. Nice to see progress.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
November 8, 2014 11:53
I see the food vendors have taken over half the public car park again, wont be long before it is back the way it was. Seems the "clean up" has run out of steam
Posted by
shwe
on
November 8, 2014 14:27
Does the beaches belong to the majority of people or to a the few hundreds who rents out jet-skies to tourists without a proper operating licence?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 8, 2014 14:47
Why should I care for Patong? I will not use its beach or shops or restaurants or insane public transportation. This place is a hellhole for decent people. I vote with my feet and purse by visiting reasonable places.
So yes, after all the reporting, if tourists still see any trust in the jet ski people to rent a swimming motorbike with them and they are a lot, then stupid money is up for the taking. everyone could see it coming. Don't cry after.
Posted by
Lena
on
November 8, 2014 15:57
It looks like Jet ski and Parasailing operators have a license to kill, cheat and threat people. After twenty years of misery they still can continue. They have damaged Thailand reputation numerous times. Evidence enough on Youtube ans Social Media. Jetski and Parasailing were supposed to be banned in 2000 after causing too many trouble but later were allowed again. Thanks to politicians and police are so corrupt and collaborate with local Maffia. Disgusting. If all tourists will stop using jet ski and parasailing they will disappear by themself.
Posted by
TAK
on
November 9, 2014 00:28
"Indeed. Although the Royal Thai Navy is most effective at enforcement. We think."
I think the Mayor shares that view too. Her plan discussed with and approved by the Royal Thai Navy 3 Commander and not with the Marine Office speaks volumes. I think she is playing a very careful game and knows exactly the difficulties she faces. I certainly hope so.
Posted by
Alan
on
November 9, 2014 15:42
Just watch the buoy lines be moved to suit certain people just like they move the red do not swim flags to suit their business motivations.
Posted by
slickmelb
on
November 9, 2014 22:52
Another not well thought out plan. Take them out to a barge 5 klm out side where swimmers are, no noise and less chance of an accident.
Make it a day trip then if some idiot wants to risk being ripped off let him go for it.
keep them off the beaches
Posted by
shame
on
November 17, 2014 12:56
Anyone can tell me or the protected swimming zones at patong beach by now ( 21 Nov) are already established?
For me it is hard to go Patong to have a look as tuk tuk drivers, limousine drivers and police(!)not like me to park at free assigned parking bays! Patong police work hard as anti foreigner parking buffer!
Posted by
Kurt
on
November 21, 2014 13:57
Editor Comment:
We've been to Patong quite often lately and never had any trouble or any hint of trouble. Parking? Much easier to find than once.
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Rather than making compulsory that all jet-skis are located to one single place on the beach with a 150-meter corridor, delimited by 2 lines with buoys on 300 meters in the sea for exit and entry of jet-skis, the Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut has opted to park thousands of tourist inside small areas delimited by buoys.
By giving a limited space to jet-ski operators, it would have been easier to control them.
Posted by Whistle-Blower on November 7, 2014 16:54