PHUKET: Jet-ski operators, parasail speedboats and day-trip ''captains'' are being tested for drugs more often as Phuket's Marine Police take a proactive attitude towards safety at sea.
Phuket Marine Police Chief Inspector, Lieutenant Colonel Chatchai Sakdee, told Phuketwan this week that the aim will be to check all people connected with marine activities on Phuket.
Surprise sampling through August and September has turned up positive tests from jet-ski operators at Patong and among ferry crews at two Phuket piers.
But tests at Kata beach - where the photos were taken - and Chalong Pier proved negative.
''We aim to look more closely at the captains in charge of speedboats,'' Lt Colonel Chatchai told Phuketwan. ''There really do need to be higher standards when it comes to the safety of tourists.''
Although he only has a team of 21 - including himself - to operate around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, the lieutenant colonel was bold enough at a meeting during the week to question whether Patong beach was safe without proper zoning.
With Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud holding seminars for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers as well as jet-ski operators, the lieutenant colonel also plans to call in speedboat ''captains'' and crews to hear what's required for proper service and safety.
The crash of a Chinese tourist on a jet-ski and a paragliding speedboat off Patong beach last week also rekindled concerns about safety.
''If people believe they have a problems with anyone on the beach, especially at Patong, they should go to the police box at the end of Bangla Road,'' he said.
''There is no reason why bad behavior should be tolerated in tourism on Phuket.'' He added that in some cases, it was the tourists who caused the trouble.
''Just behave as you would in a lawe-abiding fashion in your own countries,'' he urged. ''Except for a small number of cases, most tourists have a wonderful time on Phuket.''
Phuket Marine Police Chief Inspector, Lieutenant Colonel Chatchai Sakdee, told Phuketwan this week that the aim will be to check all people connected with marine activities on Phuket.
Surprise sampling through August and September has turned up positive tests from jet-ski operators at Patong and among ferry crews at two Phuket piers.
But tests at Kata beach - where the photos were taken - and Chalong Pier proved negative.
''We aim to look more closely at the captains in charge of speedboats,'' Lt Colonel Chatchai told Phuketwan. ''There really do need to be higher standards when it comes to the safety of tourists.''
Although he only has a team of 21 - including himself - to operate around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, the lieutenant colonel was bold enough at a meeting during the week to question whether Patong beach was safe without proper zoning.
With Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud holding seminars for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers as well as jet-ski operators, the lieutenant colonel also plans to call in speedboat ''captains'' and crews to hear what's required for proper service and safety.
The crash of a Chinese tourist on a jet-ski and a paragliding speedboat off Patong beach last week also rekindled concerns about safety.
''If people believe they have a problems with anyone on the beach, especially at Patong, they should go to the police box at the end of Bangla Road,'' he said.
''There is no reason why bad behavior should be tolerated in tourism on Phuket.'' He added that in some cases, it was the tourists who caused the trouble.
''Just behave as you would in a lawe-abiding fashion in your own countries,'' he urged. ''Except for a small number of cases, most tourists have a wonderful time on Phuket.''
A Thai friend worked at a Phuket hotel for many years earning min wage and paying taxes etc. He now owns and operates 6 jet skis in Phuket and makes a considerable amount of money in high season, tax is B2,000/ year. A Thai friend drives a taxi in Phuket and makes large amounts of money in high season tax free. These industries are in serious need of reform.
Posted by gee on September 7, 2013 19:45