PHUKET: Small boats are being warned not to venture to sea today in storm conditions with wind gusts up to 45kph forecast by meteorologists.
However, the forecasters' warning was discounted by Phuket Marine Office 5 director, Phuripat Theerakulpisut.
''That's what the bureau says,'' Khun Phuripat told Phuketwan. ''But that's not a ban on putting to sea by me. If I say it's ok, then it's ok.''
The apparent lack of coordination between the Bureau of Meteorology and Phuket Marine Office 5 may leave some boat ''captains'' and tourists confused.
It also leaves the media in the awkward position of wanting to pass on weather warnings, but unsure whether to be absolutely safe by passing on the bureau's warning about small boats.
Phuketwan has in the past republished warnings from forecasters and will continue to do so, giving a priority to marine safety.
Up to 80 percent of Phuket is likely to have rain today, according to forecasters, but the real concern is that wind gusts of up to 45kph could pose risks to small boats in seas rising to three metres.
Just why anyone would pay to put to sea in those conditions we will leave to the tourists to decide.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, meanwhile, has formally advised all Phuket local councils to be on standby around the clock for floods and landslips.
The warning applies from today through until Sunday, when it is hoped the bad weather will ease. Similar conditions are likely in Phang Nga and Krabi and other Andaman Sea provinces.
Asked if DDPM warnings also applied at sea, the director, Santhawat Rewlung, replied: ''No, the sea is Khun Phuripat's area.''
However, the forecasters' warning was discounted by Phuket Marine Office 5 director, Phuripat Theerakulpisut.
''That's what the bureau says,'' Khun Phuripat told Phuketwan. ''But that's not a ban on putting to sea by me. If I say it's ok, then it's ok.''
The apparent lack of coordination between the Bureau of Meteorology and Phuket Marine Office 5 may leave some boat ''captains'' and tourists confused.
It also leaves the media in the awkward position of wanting to pass on weather warnings, but unsure whether to be absolutely safe by passing on the bureau's warning about small boats.
Phuketwan has in the past republished warnings from forecasters and will continue to do so, giving a priority to marine safety.
Up to 80 percent of Phuket is likely to have rain today, according to forecasters, but the real concern is that wind gusts of up to 45kph could pose risks to small boats in seas rising to three metres.
Just why anyone would pay to put to sea in those conditions we will leave to the tourists to decide.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, meanwhile, has formally advised all Phuket local councils to be on standby around the clock for floods and landslips.
The warning applies from today through until Sunday, when it is hoped the bad weather will ease. Similar conditions are likely in Phang Nga and Krabi and other Andaman Sea provinces.
Asked if DDPM warnings also applied at sea, the director, Santhawat Rewlung, replied: ''No, the sea is Khun Phuripat's area.''
"If I say it's ok, then it's ok."
Amazing! -- On another note....If K. Phuripat says Jet Skis can operate then they can operate, even if they are illegal as per our written law!
Posted by Mr. K on August 5, 2015 12:53