PHUKET: The one-stop shop for yachts arriving on Phuket is finally expected to open next month for a trial of the concept. And an end-of-pier restaurant is likely to boost income.
A meeting this week at the unusual building on the end of Chalong Pier resolved final issues and agreed that the time had come to test the controversial idea.
Work on the centre was completed in early 2012 but then followed two years of debate about how the concept would be staffed and who would pay.
Customs, Immigration and Marine 5 officials will all be at the centre to smooth the paperwork requirements for all yachts visiting Phuket.
Although no date has been set, it was agreed that a ''soft opening'' should begin in May. The official title: Phuket Yacht Checkpoint Central System.
A restaurant has been suggested as an option to help the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, which will manage the facility, to cover the running costs.
A meeting this week at the unusual building on the end of Chalong Pier resolved final issues and agreed that the time had come to test the controversial idea.
Work on the centre was completed in early 2012 but then followed two years of debate about how the concept would be staffed and who would pay.
Customs, Immigration and Marine 5 officials will all be at the centre to smooth the paperwork requirements for all yachts visiting Phuket.
Although no date has been set, it was agreed that a ''soft opening'' should begin in May. The official title: Phuket Yacht Checkpoint Central System.
A restaurant has been suggested as an option to help the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, which will manage the facility, to cover the running costs.
Better late than never.
Posted by Sailor on April 13, 2014 19:32