Gov calls meeting for dive industry regulation

PHUKET: Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura will convene a public hearing to discuss impending changes aimed at regulating the island’s dive industry, some members of which have come under suspicion of evading taxes and employing foreign nationals without work permits.

Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Nivit Aroonrat told the Gazette on July 18 that the Governor has accepted the general concept of bringing the dive industry under closer provincial scrutiny, but that he first wants to hear the opinions of the dive industry and relevant government agencies before putting new regulations in place.

“If we have a clear understanding from the beginning, it will prevent problems from arising in the future,” he said.

Invitation letters for the hearing will be issued to all related organizations, including dive operators, dive associations, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourism associations, relevant government offices and the media, he said.

The meeting will take place at Phuket Provincial Hall, starting at 10 am on July 26.