Phuket's Jet-Skis All Under Control, Governor Tells Envoy
By Prasit Tarnsirisin Friday, June 12, 2015
PHUKET: Jet-skis were registered and insured and safe for tourists to use, the Governor of Phuket, Nisit Jansomwong, told the visiting Ambassador for Denmark yesterday.
HE Mikael H Winther sought reassurance from the governor at Phuket Provincial Hall about jet-ski rip-offs and the price of tuk-tuks and taxis.
Mr Winther said he was also troubled by the large number of tourists who get drunk and ride motorcycles, often without safety helmets.
Governor Nisit told the envoy that all of Phuket's 286 jet-skis were registered and insured.
A crackdown on tuk-tuks and taxis was making sure they all operated within the law, the governor said. He added that he would talk to Phuket police about improving safety for tourists riding motorcycles.
After the meeting, Mr Winther was surprised to learn that jet-ski operators paid less than 400 baht a year for partial insurance that was often the cause of haggling and intimidation when operators tried to recover the full cost of damages.
Mr Winther was also told that the insurance was inadequate by Western standards, with a maximum payout of 150,000 baht in the event of a death.
One of Governor Nisit's predecessors introduced a plan to phase out jet-skis from Phuket over seven years. However, despite the universal support for the idea, jet-skis remain on Phuket in vastly increased numbers, even though their use is banned in the neighboring provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga.
The jet-ski operators were recently granted control over 50 percent of Patong, Phuket's prime swimming beach.
Touts selling jet-ski rides have been observed well beyond the shore in the popular tourist walking street of Soi Bangla.
|
Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
What a complete joke.
I personally asked the jetski mob why are they parking there machines on the beach again?
Reply was up to us nobody can tell us what to do..!
Situation normal = spineless
Posted by
Sharp
on
June 12, 2015 08:12
Jet Skis under control? When the number 1 tourist beach is controlled by foul smelling noisy machines under control is not the word I would use. Safe for tourists? Unlikely. Most tourists don't want them there. Why do they not get it?
Posted by
Davemc60
on
June 12, 2015 08:22
Thats good news for Phuket and good news for tourism. Well done to the Governor.
Posted by
John M
on
June 12, 2015 08:26
The look on the Gov's face says it all. "I'll answer your questions but as soon you're gone it's business as usual".
Posted by
pete59
on
June 12, 2015 08:37
@davemc60
Because they pay a huge amount of money to be "allowed" to be there.
I find it amazing how the governor can sit there with a straight face and say they are all under control. I walk along Patong Beach nearly every day, and there are now hundreds of them laying on the beach on the beach at the water's edge.
They are driven down in the morning and taken away in the evening totally illegally on the roads (no trailer registration, muliple string of jetskis behind each pickup etc)..... The pickups drive all over the beach illegally leaving horrendous damage in the sand..... the touts chase customers all over Patong.... the skis smell terrible, whizz around where people are swimming, make a horrible noise and generally make the whole beach into a sh@thole.
And they are rented out to people with no thai boat captains licence, and no training.... we have seen over the years lots of accidents and deaths....
But yes... Mr Governor.... they are all under control. Jolly well done, I say.
Posted by
Discover Thainess
on
June 12, 2015 08:49
The comments and statements of various Phuket authorities and leaders in BKK remind me more and more of the old DDR.
The country was going bankrupt with shortages on everything, yet the officials kept parroting the same "everything is fine" and "all targets have been met" message.
What the Governor says here is equally detached from the reality.
At the end the citizens of DDR had enough and despite great danger, took to the streets and toppled the rotten government.
Unfortunately that took 40 years to happen. I sure hope we don't have to wait that long.
Posted by
Herbert
on
June 12, 2015 09:07
Well there goes a certain person's credence straight out the window. Next!
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
June 12, 2015 09:42
But the Governor is correct- they ARE under control (of 'influential' figures in collusion with others though!).
A for the comments about tuk tuks and taxis they are beyond a joke. The Kamala taxi drivers are all set up in their old haunts, albeit without stolen electricity to power their tvs.
The beach road and others in Patong remain choked with illegally parked tuk tuks and taxis. I guess the pixies spirit them away when the Gov makes his 'unannounced' visits to Patong.
Posted by
Mister Ree
on
June 12, 2015 09:44
What I don't understand is, why didn't this Mr. Winther know more about the current situation with the jet skis? He had to be told, after the meeting, that the insurance was totally inadequate. One would think that he should have known more before going in....Maybe he better start reading PW...
Posted by
Tim
on
June 12, 2015 10:24
Editor Comment:
Ambassadors are busy people but he should have been briefed on the inadequacies of the present system by colleagues.
Its difficult to relax on Patong beach That is what many tourist want to do on holiday.Its like a bloody carnival with the Jet skies parachutes everywhere.
Posted by
Dobby
on
June 12, 2015 10:45
Why do these people constantly embarrass themselves by going to talk to a person who is simply not interested in what they say and certainly won't do anything they recommend. How many times have people complained about these things without anything being done? Just go elsewhere where there isn't these problems. It's simple.
The definition of stupid is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
June 12, 2015 11:21
Editor Comment:
There is some truth in what you say but with the honorary consuls denied meetings that the governor says happen every three months and the jet-ski operators' salesman telling authorities that tourists love jet-skis, what do you expect?
Sorry, but this is a bald-faced lie. Yesterday, unregistered 'no-insurance' jet-skis parked on the sand at Pansea Beach rode over to Surin (jet skis prohibited there?) and cruised the surf line for customers.
I hope the consuls are keen enough to realize that are being fed a load of tripe. Also, it is very disrespectful to lie to the consuls and waste their time.
This is a deadly serious problem but Marine Chief doesn't care - his actions (lack of) show he has never cared.
Posted by
pktbeachgoer
on
June 12, 2015 11:34
Editor Comment:
The governor listens to lies. That's a problem.
Discover Thainess .... 100 percent with you on your comment.....
Posted by
Robert
on
June 12, 2015 11:38
Well the headline to this article says it all...need anyone say more?
Posted by
sky
on
June 12, 2015 13:02
Why am I not surprized over the Governors answer to Mr.Winther?
Posted by
Harald
on
June 12, 2015 13:37
To be honest before to settle in Phuket for a long-stay, I never went to Phuket short-term holidays, always chosing some other destinations in Thailand as Phuket even at those times was far below my criteria of good holidays; I attempted to choose Phuket many times, but every time such attempt failed.
It is, of course, very different thing, short-term or long-stay, very different criteria applies, and for sure same set of criteria should not be used to evaluate viability both of short-term and long-term stays. To come for a week or two to a nice deserted island - but you can't comfortably reside there all over the year because of the lack of modern amenities and swinging weather.
I honestly stare in disbelief how these people who come to Phuket for 2 weeks can enjoy holidays here; if I would be them I would check out already on the 3rd day, and regardless of the lack of refund just would move to another destination in order not to spoil the rest of holidays.
The same applies also when you visit high-end hotels - most of them exhibit at best "tired service", strange or ugly facilities, and yes, most importantly , the lack of relaxation feeling.
When I try to understand and analyze why these people did come to Phuket - and not chosen other location, talking to them - also for a reality check,may be I'm simply too snobbish , but it's nit the case:
- most of them are simply poorly informed about alternative choices and what good holidays can look like; many of them too lazy to undertake any deeper research for a sake of good holidays, just (wrongly) relying on well-promoted Phuket brand, without really understanding what it is - as simple as that;
- many of them disproportionately emphasize proximity of the airport - which is simply wrong - 45 minutes or more to Kata , or 1:15hr to Khao Lak is virtually same-same;
- many still enjoy that standard that Phuket offers - this applies to all price segments - they're simply not too picky, and in the end they're OK with public beaches and its conditions , tuktuks and whatever - yes, could be better, but they still return as it is still acceptable for them;
- many people prefer "urban beach" to whatever nicer and more pristine countryside
- they prefer to travel package holidays style,many not many other destinations are available for such travel mode
This all sounds very strange for my ears as I have totally different criteria, but look around - as one my Thai friend from a good tour agency told when we were driving somewhere like at Nanai Rd. on Patong - "this environment all looks ugly, but looks at their faces - they are all happy".
Posted by
Sue
on
June 12, 2015 14:27
Why is anyone even bothered or surprised anymore? Everyone already knows the score. How this place is run how its run and has nothing to do with farang... as much as we might think it does or want it to.
The Envoys know already before they sit down at these meetings they will be lied to and told what they want to hear, and they know themselves that the majority of them will sit with a smile on their face and say 'thank you so much'. Then, If changes that don't suit the influential are promised or made, they will only be temporary measures. Don't like it? You don't have to. Learn to live with it or move somewhere else. Its that simple.
Posted by
Chalongian
on
June 12, 2015 15:05
Why do people think the situation has or will change?
Do people not know how Phuket works yet?
Posted by
Tbs
on
June 12, 2015 16:40
Just hopeless, when the governor says what he says, does not mean one has to believe it. The roads of the island are overrun with Tuk-tuks , busses and vans, beaches are overrun with jet skis, way too many tourists coming here now, and of the wrong kind too. Immigration office is overrun too with too many people seeking visa services. These conditions will just turn away more of them eventually. Luckily I am tucked away in the middle of the island, among some lovely Thai people in a village, far from the tourist rage on the beach.
Posted by
Guenter Bellach
on
June 12, 2015 19:23
--The Governor is not able to control the jet skies. His talks are 'sweet talks'.
--The Navy doesn't control the jet skies.
--That Chief of Phuket Marine 5 Office never knows anything, so he not controls jet skies.
-- The mayor of Patong not controls jet skies.
So, as nobody 'controls', the jet ski operators make a long nose to all Phuket authorities and just manage their own Imperium.
Of course, some tea money will be given here and there, which justify their 50% taking of Patong beach.
Posted by
Kurt
on
June 12, 2015 19:37
@ Sue you are making an idiot of yourself as you live in Phuket. Another drop out.
Posted by
Not Sue
on
June 12, 2015 21:12
Not Sue
Actually you are making yourself look as an apparent idiot you do not differentiate between criteria for a good place for a short-term vacation and a place for a long-term stay.
For me these criteria are very different, if for you they are the same, then good luck. Why not then spend a whole year in OWB in Maldives..?
I never visited Phuket for my short holidays as there is virtually no hotels right on the beach - for me it is unacceptable to stay in a decent hotel, but then to go to a public beach - which is on top was always rather crowded.He has urged observers and parties on both sides to keep an open mind about what had happened.
But for a long term stay it is OK.
What is good for a short vacation and brings WOW factor like to go to, say, small island in Polynesia or Melanesia, certainly doesn't fit for a long term stay.
I would love to stay a whole year in W. Phang Nga a.k.a. Khao Lak, so far I manage only like 2-3-4 months per year - lack of infrastructure of convenience, lack of good accommodation for a long stay, and when it rains it really sucks.
In Thailand if I would to consider any other area for long term stay , then probably , Samui - but I simply do not like Samui so much.
Any smaller destination - Chumphon, Khanom, Koh Chang, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta etc. - not enough comfortable.
And urban coasts like Hua Hin and vicinity , surely no.
Yes, Phuket ecology-wise does suck. Any other comparable developing tropical country don't?
If I would be in charge, the first thing what I would do is to focus on making sea and beaches clean - it is by far not only beach cleaning.
Second, more regulation and enforcement what goes on in the sea,,as it is a main asset here.
Then, dramatically amend zoning and planning regulations as it is that what make the environment looks ugly and malfunction in a wider sense.
Posted by
Sue
on
June 13, 2015 17:55
Sue
I appreciate very much your in-depth explanations of certain situations that sometimes pertain to what is happening here in Thailand and Phuket. But have you ever read Hamlet? BTW it was written by a certain playwright called Shakespeare. In it you will find a quotation pointing out that 'Brevity is the soul of of wit'.
With your permission I will continue to quote:
"And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief: your noble son is mad"
Why keep posting tediously long comments when people can grasp your point in 20 words or less?
This is the internet sister: make your point, don't salivate over the keyboard. Go to Thaivsia for that.
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
June 13, 2015 20:47
Sam Wilko,
ok,I'll try harder - is that what you meant 20 words = 140 symbols?
I don't review casual texts liek forum posting before posting - unlike official ones, which, true, often become shorter after not only grammar, but also style review.
I'm doing quite well on Twitter and with its limit of 140 letters, with few tens thousands posts so far,an close to 1k followers - that is not bad, not being celebrity, and most of them are real people, not commercial accounts.
P.S. aren't you among those who has made, actually quite wise decision, to move out of hot tourist spot Phuket to upcountry? You could actually elaborate more on reasons and whether that change has delivered well along all expectations..?
Posted by
Sue
on
June 14, 2015 14:19
|
What a complete joke.
I personally asked the jetski mob why are they parking there machines on the beach again?
Reply was up to us nobody can tell us what to do..!
Situation normal = spineless
Posted by Sharp on June 12, 2015 08:12