Smoke on the water: Boat operators warned of Phuket haze

PHUKET: Boat operators have been warned of limited visibility at sea as hazy skies shroud Phuket following heavy rains and subsequent warm weather.

“The haze is a result of recent heavy rainfall combined with high levels of humidity in the atmosphere,” said San Jantharawong, chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket office.

“In this situation, visibility will be limited to 5-8 kilometers. People who live near the coast will be unable to see across the water.

“We have already received reports from residents near Saphan Hin who have been unable to see Phi Phi Island or Koh Yao from the shore.”

The haze does not pose serious dangers for land-dwellers, but such is not the case for those at sea, said Mr San.

“These conditions can be very dangerous for boat operators and yachties, as the haze is heaviest on the sea,” he explained.

“I urge everyone to be especially cautious while on the water.”

— Natthaphol Wittayarungrote