All tourist boarding boats must carry ID, says Gov

PHUKET: Tourists will be required to show a form of government identification to CCTV cameras before boarding boats at any piers on the island, Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada confirmed to the Phuket Gazette yesterday.

“Having passengers show their identification will help us check on tourists’ safety,” Governor Chamroen explained. “If anyone goes missing or is involved in accident, we will know which boat carried them out. In addition, we will be able to monitor boats to make sure that they are not carrying more passengers than their limit.”

Phuripat Theerakulpisut, acting director of the Marine Office Region 5, joined Gov Chamroen at Rassada Pier on Wednesday to ensure that the new regulation was being implemented.

“About 90 per cent of passengers were already carrying their ID,” Mr Phuripat said. “We will be flexible about it for now. However, in about three months, if a passenger does not have identification, they will not be allowed on the boat. No excuses.”

Foreigners are required to show their passports, while Thai nationals may use their Thai identification cards.

Mr Phuripat said that officials are now working with tour operators to help inform tourists about the new regulation.

“The tourists were happy to see us at the pier and they all cooperated without question. I am thankful to them and hope that we can make Phuket a safer destination for all,” Gov Chamroen added.

Tour operators were charged with installing the necessary CCTV at low-traffic piers, as well as ensuring that tourists comply with the rule.

— Chutharat Plerin