Chalong Bay Marina shut down for one year

PHUKET: Boats will be prohibited from mooring within 200 meters of Chalong Bay Marina for one year, effective today, as seawall construction and renovations take place, confirmed the Phuket Marine Office chief.

The order handed down and signed off by Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut was followed by the expulsion of all boats moored in the marina.

“The marina will be closed for one year while renovations take place. After construction is complete, we will have a much better marina and a strong seawall,” said Mr Phuripat.

Vessels will be allowed to utilize the newly-opened, one-stop yacht service center at the pier – but only with permission.

The one-stop yacht shop finally opened in July after years of delays and technical setbacks (story here).

“All boats must get permission before they can enter the marina to use the service center,” Mr Phuripat confirmed.

Mr Phuripat explained that all vessels previously moored at the pier are to find somewhere else to go, or else face charges.

“There are about 50 vessels that used to moor at the pier. The boat owners can move wherever they want, to any other marina on the island,” he said.

“Anyone who breaks the new regulations will be charged with defying an official order, which carries a penalty of up to six months in jail.”

— Chutharat Plerin