PHUKET: The ''captains'' of two speedboats involved in a crash that killed a Chinese tourist and injured others are being questioned about the incident today.
''If we find that there has been negligence on the part of those involved, we will cancel their licences or impose a fine,'' said the Chief of Phuket's Marine Office 5, Phuripat Theerakulpisut.
The ''captains'' were in charge when an inflated banana boat carrying the tourists, towed by one speedboat, was slung into the side of another speedboat close to shore at Khai island, a day-trip destination off Phuket, on Wednesday.
Kang Xiao Xue, 24, died later of her injuries at Phuket International Hospital in Phuket City, where two other tourists also required treatment.
Both ''captains'' are due to appear in Khun Phuripat's office this afternoon. It is believed they work for the same speedboat company.
A spokesperson at the Chinese Cosulate in Haad Yai said today there had been no direct communication with Marine Office 5 over the death but repeated appeals had been made to Phuket's Governors to ensure the safety of tourists.
''It is difficult to see how this needless death could be categorised as an accident,'' a spokesperson at the consulate said today.
''We have regularly asked Governors and senior officials to safeguard our citizens,'' the spokesperson said.
''Tour agents, resorts, local administrators . . . we want the entire Phuket tourism industry to protect all visitors.''
Online advice was being offered to Phuket visitors through the China Embassy's onilne site but they needed first-hand reminders on Phuket of the potential dangers.
''Swimming, speedboats, snorkelling, some of these activities are new to visitors,'' he said. ''They also need to be protected when travelling on buses or on motorcycles.''
''If we find that there has been negligence on the part of those involved, we will cancel their licences or impose a fine,'' said the Chief of Phuket's Marine Office 5, Phuripat Theerakulpisut.
The ''captains'' were in charge when an inflated banana boat carrying the tourists, towed by one speedboat, was slung into the side of another speedboat close to shore at Khai island, a day-trip destination off Phuket, on Wednesday.
Kang Xiao Xue, 24, died later of her injuries at Phuket International Hospital in Phuket City, where two other tourists also required treatment.
Both ''captains'' are due to appear in Khun Phuripat's office this afternoon. It is believed they work for the same speedboat company.
A spokesperson at the Chinese Cosulate in Haad Yai said today there had been no direct communication with Marine Office 5 over the death but repeated appeals had been made to Phuket's Governors to ensure the safety of tourists.
''It is difficult to see how this needless death could be categorised as an accident,'' a spokesperson at the consulate said today.
''We have regularly asked Governors and senior officials to safeguard our citizens,'' the spokesperson said.
''Tour agents, resorts, local administrators . . . we want the entire Phuket tourism industry to protect all visitors.''
Online advice was being offered to Phuket visitors through the China Embassy's onilne site but they needed first-hand reminders on Phuket of the potential dangers.
''Swimming, speedboats, snorkelling, some of these activities are new to visitors,'' he said. ''They also need to be protected when travelling on buses or on motorcycles.''
Distance to shore for moving boats is 300 meters; so no excuse for the boat captains.
They do it to impress their customers and attract potential customers looking from the beach, the rodeo done by irresponsible Thai captains.
Posted by Whistle-Blower on November 5, 2012 13:23