Jet-skis allowed on Kamala Beach, confirms Phuket Governor

PHUKET: Jet-ski operators are allowed to park their craft on Kamala Beach until the end of the month, confirmed Governor Nisit Jansomwong to the Phuket Gazette today.

Watchara Koysakul, head of the Kamala Jet-Ski Club, said that it was a similar situation to the one in Patong, where jet-ski operators were allowed to return to work in August as long as their vehicles were parked at the tree line and not left on the beach (story here).

“The difference is that all of the beachfront land in Kamala is private, so we can’t park our jet-skis off the beach like they do,” said Mr Watchara..

“We have no problem just bringing them down to the water when customers want to use them. However, it’s just not feasible here.

“We are thankful that the military and other government organizations are making the beaches nicer. However, we need help – we are living hand-to-mouth right now.”

The move to allow operators to leave their trailers and jet-skis on the beach comes as the provincial government attempts to finalize a plan for all of the island’s beaches. Governor Nisit confirmed that he will have a meeting this month with the Army and Navy to establish a comprehensive plan for all beach vendors.

“We will find a balance between meeting the demands of the locals who procure their livelihood from the beach and maintaining the sands for public use,” Gov Nisit said.

Col Somchai Ponatong, the top-ranking soldier on the island, confirmed that the Army would support the governor’s decision on how best to manage Phuket’s beaches.

“For now, as long as the jet-ski operators aren’t causing any problems or building permanent structures, we won’t take action against them,” Col Somchai said.

— Chutharat Plerin