Phuket says “no’ to jet-ski races

PHUKET: Phuket has declined a request to host a major jet-ski event, known, somewhat dauntingly, as the “Thai Airways International-Jet Sports King’s Cup Thailand Open 2000”. The Jet Sports Boating Association of Thailand had requested that Phuket – specifically Patong – host the competition, featuring participants from 18 countries. But at a meeting on Friday between Provincial Governor Charnchai Soontharamuth, the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), and the local office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), it was decided unanimously to turn down the request. The main reason, the Gazette was told, is that Phuket has a policy against promoting the use of jet-skis. “I’ve always been against this jet-ski thing,” said Pamuke Achariyachai, president of the PTA. Anupharp Thirarath, director of the local office of the TAT, explained, “Sometimes, tourists are cheated by jet-ski owners, and some people have been hit by jet-skis and injured by them. The TAT often receives e-mails and faxes complaining about these things.” He added, “Not all jet-ski operators are like that – only some of them.” Jet-ski rentals might have the potential to create jobs and income for Phuket, he said, but the problem is that, looking at the big picture, it might not be good for the island’s tourism as a whole. The organizers of the event, the fifth in the annual series, now have to look for another venue. For the past four years it has been held in the waters off Songkla.