High-tech clearance on the horizon for Phuket yachts

PHUKET: Travelers entering Thailand via the new Chalong Marina will have the option of submitting official entrance and registration documents electronically, before reaching the port.

The Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) is on schedule to complete the new registration system by February next year as construction on the complex continues.

Construction is expected to finish by September next year.

SIPA aims to streamline arrival procedures, most notably cutting down on the time spent filling out forms, explained SIPA project manager Pracha Asawateera.

“The Marine Department, Immigration Bureau, and Customs are all responsible for each yacht, crew and cargo check-in. Each department has a different form for visitors to fill in and the problem is that it takes so much time for them to complete all three,” he said.

“We are developing the system to bring all of the forms into one single document. Nearly 40% of the information is repetitive, so this will save time,” Mr Pracha said.

The new system will allow incoming vessels to register with the Thai authorities via the internet. The process will include five “steps”: general entry declaration, importer information, crew list, passenger list and cargo information.

After submitting their information online, boats will be issued an “ID ticket” via email which will include an appointment time for owners, crew and passengers to report to the Chalong Marina in person.

The website URL has yet to be decided, Mr Pracha said.

He expects the system to be finished around the end of January or early February next year, after which a month-long testing phase will begin, followed by employee training.

“After the system is stable, we will be happy to conduct training seminars for tourists with program demonstrations,” Mr Pracha added.

— Janpen Upatising