PHUKET IMMIGRATION officers raided yachts and other vessels moored at Chalong pier yesterday to check visas, work permits and other paperwork.
Officials told Phuketwan that yesterday's surprise visit, the first that locals could recall, was primarily to check Customs entry clearances and other paperwork.
However, one source reported that some expat dive instructors fled before their vessels were checked.
No incorrect paperwork or work permits were found, the Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, Police Colonel Chanatpol Yongbunjerd, said today.
''It's not easy to check all speedboats, dive vessels and yachts because we do not have access to boats of our own and have to hire them.''
A new 17 million baht rescue service, to be introduced in 2010 with three boats being provided for the Phuket region, may well provide Immigration with improved access to vessels.
Yesterday's crackdown came at the instigation of the new Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Lieutenant General Wooti Lippatapanlop.
On a visit to Phuket late last year, he said Phuket officers needed to become more active in checking incoming vessels for security and safety reasons.
Phuket Greets, Meets New Immigration ChiefOfficials told Phuketwan that yesterday's surprise visit, the first that locals could recall, was primarily to check Customs entry clearances and other paperwork.
However, one source reported that some expat dive instructors fled before their vessels were checked.
No incorrect paperwork or work permits were found, the Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, Police Colonel Chanatpol Yongbunjerd, said today.
''It's not easy to check all speedboats, dive vessels and yachts because we do not have access to boats of our own and have to hire them.''
A new 17 million baht rescue service, to be introduced in 2010 with three boats being provided for the Phuket region, may well provide Immigration with improved access to vessels.
Yesterday's crackdown came at the instigation of the new Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Lieutenant General Wooti Lippatapanlop.
On a visit to Phuket late last year, he said Phuket officers needed to become more active in checking incoming vessels for security and safety reasons.
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Did they check the Thai speedboat operators too?
Posted by Vfaye on January 16, 2010 11:45