Boat safety boost for Songkhran

PHUKET: The Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said yesterday it will be stepping up boat safety measures during this year’s Songkhran festival. Napasorn Kakai, Assistant Director of the local office of the TAT, said that arrangements have been made for officers from the Phuket Harbor Office, the Marine Police and the Tourist Police to be stationed at passenger ports and piers around the island. “They will ensure that boats do not exceed passenger limits and that each passenger gets a buoyancy aid to wear during their trip,” K. Napasorn explained. Officers will be concentrated at the busier areas – Rassada Port, Chalong Pier and the Deep Sea Port – from Saturday to Monday, and will continue to inspect vessels on the following days if these areas remain busy. K. Napasorn also made a plea for people to respect the cultural importance of Songkhran, saying, “Songkhran is not just for throwing water over each other. It is also a time for younger people to show respect for older people, and for older people to wish younger people blessings throughout their lives.” In light of this, the TAT has organized a full day of festivities at Nai Yang Beach for this Saturday, from 7 am to 3 pm. The main attractions will be a release of sea turtles by the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet and a good-wish blessing ceremony held on the beach. Donations to the Navy’s sea turtle conservation project will be accepted throughout the day. For more information call the TAT at 076-211036 or 076-212213 any day between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.