PHUKET: Bad-boy jet-ski operators on Phuket will be blacklisted and on the third strike, lose their licence to operate, Governor Nisit Jansomwong said yesterday.
''Now the game is on,'' he said. ''The rules are set. In the past, some people have been playing a different game.''
The governor has also seen the problems with the zoning concept that is being tested at Phuket's Patong beach and is likely to be introduced at other Phuket beaches.
He now wants the local council to erect large signs warning tourists that there are dangerous jet-ski only zones along the island's premier swimming beach.
Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub has approved the division of the beach into segments: 500 metres for swimmers, 300 metres for jet-skis, 500 metres for swimmers, 300 metres for jet-skis, 500 metres for swimmers.
The decision to try zoning was made to suit the jet-ski operators. The mayor and Patong councillors did not ask tourists who enjoy the beaches or Phuket's honorary consuls what they thought about the idea.
Patong residents say the zoning cannot work because tourists will continue to come to the beach without reading the signs.
Those who choose a spot on the beach opposite the jet-ski zones are likely to swim nearby, in the dangerous jet-ski zone.
Although jet-skis are banned from refuelling in the sea or on the beach, residents say this still takes place. ''It isn't going to work,'' said one resident, who preferred not to be named.
Governor Nisit spoke to Phuketwan about jet-skis after yesterday's beach summit involving about 100 officials at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City.
THE JET-SKIS and parasails are a plague on Phuket. The decision was made years ago to phase them out and the sooner that decision is carried out, the better. Phuket used to be a swimming destination but the Patong mayor's decision to corral the swimmers and hand over prime space to the jet-skis makes Patong a jet-ski beach. People come to Phuket to swim. Patong has less appeal as long as the jet-skis are in the water and being given priority over the safety of swimmers. Phang Nga and Krabi, where jet-skis are banned, will attract more tourists now at Phuket's expense.
''Now the game is on,'' he said. ''The rules are set. In the past, some people have been playing a different game.''
The governor has also seen the problems with the zoning concept that is being tested at Phuket's Patong beach and is likely to be introduced at other Phuket beaches.
He now wants the local council to erect large signs warning tourists that there are dangerous jet-ski only zones along the island's premier swimming beach.
Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub has approved the division of the beach into segments: 500 metres for swimmers, 300 metres for jet-skis, 500 metres for swimmers, 300 metres for jet-skis, 500 metres for swimmers.
The decision to try zoning was made to suit the jet-ski operators. The mayor and Patong councillors did not ask tourists who enjoy the beaches or Phuket's honorary consuls what they thought about the idea.
Patong residents say the zoning cannot work because tourists will continue to come to the beach without reading the signs.
Those who choose a spot on the beach opposite the jet-ski zones are likely to swim nearby, in the dangerous jet-ski zone.
Although jet-skis are banned from refuelling in the sea or on the beach, residents say this still takes place. ''It isn't going to work,'' said one resident, who preferred not to be named.
Governor Nisit spoke to Phuketwan about jet-skis after yesterday's beach summit involving about 100 officials at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City.
What Phuketwan Says:
THE JET-SKIS and parasails are a plague on Phuket. The decision was made years ago to phase them out and the sooner that decision is carried out, the better. Phuket used to be a swimming destination but the Patong mayor's decision to corral the swimmers and hand over prime space to the jet-skis makes Patong a jet-ski beach. People come to Phuket to swim. Patong has less appeal as long as the jet-skis are in the water and being given priority over the safety of swimmers. Phang Nga and Krabi, where jet-skis are banned, will attract more tourists now at Phuket's expense.
IF allowed give jetski's maximum 3 small landing/leaving strips. Clearly marked and 25 meters width. This over 300 meters (swimming zone). Para sailers work from off shore platforms. Look to "civilized/experienced safe beach zones elsewhere. Don't invent wheel again. Look for SAFETY FIRST. (Licences). Till no SAFE solution put Block on all.
Posted by phuketgreed on December 19, 2014 11:35