Phuket
Tourism minister pledges to push B100mn Phuket Port expansion plan

PHUKET: The Minister of Tourism and Sports, in Phuket to inspect the Deep Sea Port today, has pledged to push forward the 100-million-baht plan to expand Phuket’s key port facility.
“I will raise the issue with the Minister of Transportation next week,” Somsak Pureesrisak told reporters today.
Joining Mr Somsak in his visit to Phuket today was Tourism of Thailand (TAT) Governor Suraphon Svetasreni.
The plans to expand the port so it can berth two large cruise liners simultaneously, have been mired for two years for failing to pass the required environmental impact assessment (EIA) evaluation.
Sophon Muangprathub, Director of Chaophaya Terminal International Co Ltd, which has the government concession to operate Songkhla and Phuket Ports, presented Minister Somsak the history of the Deep Sea Port expansion project.
Joining him was Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut.
Both urged Minister Somsak to push forward the project and explained how much Phuket needs the port to be developed.
“We’ve been working on passing the EIA for two years, but every time we submit the redrafted plans we are asked to fix another problem,” Mr Sophon said.
“Please help us push forward the plan,” he urged.
Mr Sophon explained that the project, which was reported to cost more than 100 million baht, includes extending the dock by 60 meters so two large ships can berth at the same time, as well as building new facilities to receive tourists disembarking and expanding the parking lots at the site.
Mr Sophon said it would take no more than 13 months to complete the project once it passed its EIA requirements.
He explained that the Deep Sea Port was originally designed to serve cargo ships only.
“The dock is 360 meters long, which can accommodate only two ships, each not longer than 173 meters long, at the same time.
“The problem is that bigger ships are now coming to the port, especially cruise liners. So far the biggest one has been 270 meters long, which does not leave enough room for another ship,” Mr Sophon explained.
“Cruise liners were given priority to dock at the port, even if it meant forcing a cargo ship that is halfway through loading or unloading to move offshore,” he said.
Mr Phuripat explained, “We have been working for over two years on having the project pass its EIA, but it does not seem to be working. It has caused a lot of problems.
“The port is currently not able to support Phuket tourism to the best of its ability. The facility needs to be developed,” he repeated.
Minister Somsak agreed with the plan presented to him.
“Phuket needs to be able to support more cruise liners so more cruise liners can dock here and stay for more than just a day trip,” he said.
“We have to identify which departments we must discuss this with so we can push forward the plan. On May 10, I have a meeting with the Minister of Transportation, and this plan will be raised,” Minister Somsak vowed.
Mr Somsak is in Phuket as part of his “fact-finding” tour of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces to identify ways the government can help support tourism development along the Andaman seaboard.
Tonight, Mr Somsak and TAT Governor Suraphon will attend a meeting to hear other concepts to support Phuket tourism development, at the Radisson BLU Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach.
Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut will attend to welcome the minister.
— Chutharat Plerin
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Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Visitors to Phuket from “highest risk” areas must show Covid-19 test results

People arriving Phuket from the “highest risk” areas are required to take a swab test by the staff at emergency operation centres (EOC) or show the test result document endorsed by the EOC staff made within 72 hours of their arrival. The revised order is effective from now until January 31, according to the Phuket Governor.
Those people who are on a brief business trip to Phuket need to show certificates from their employers describing the reason and necessity of their trips. If they want to leave their accommodations, they have to make a request to the EOC and clearly explain the reason as well as the time and destination. Visitors are also asked to avoid going to the community areas to avoid crowded gatherings.
It is noted that the revised order by the governor has not been officially promoted by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department. However, all visitors are still asked to register online via the Mor Chana contact tracing application and via www.gophuget.com according to the order re-issued on Friday.
SOURCE: Phuket News
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Tourism
The road less travelled – trekking to the Kalim Viewpoint

There are two well known ways to get from Kathu to Kalim or Kamala – one is across the Patong Hill, and the other is much longer, through Srisoonthorn and along the coastal road from Surin the Kamala (very scenic too).
But there’s also another way. Also very scenic but will take you about 2 hours through dense forest although there is a well-worn walking track. The track will take you from Kathu up to the Kalim Viewpoint. From here you can head back to Kathu along a different path, or down into Kalim, near Patong.
Starting about halfway down Soi Namtok in Kathu, you head up a nondescript road past the Flying Hanuman zipline attraction, although there’s no sign at the entrance to the soi (below). About the first kilometre is paved but then becomes increasingly ‘agricultural’ as you get higher into the hills, heading towards the Kalim Viewpoint. There’s also a small temple on the way up.
PHOTO: The start of the trek, a small soi off Soi Namtok – Google Maps
It will take around 2 hours to trek up to the Kalim Viewpoint. The walking is quite strenuous and you’ll need to be wearing the right shoes and take plenty of water – there’s no 7/11s on the way! As you get nearer the top, to the viewpoint, the track becomes less drivable although the track is still quite open and easy to follow. If you’re feeling a bit lazy you can take a motorbike about halfway up the road until you’ll need to proceed on foot from there.
From the Kalim Viewpoint you can see across Kalim to Patong Bay and the land that stretches along the bay south of Patong Beach. From the top you can either make your way down to Kalim or another exit along the Kalim-Kamala Road, just near the Iguana Beach Club.
You can also head back another way to Kathu, a longer return track that skirts around the top of the Kathu Waterfall. A lot of that track gets very narrow and parts of it are up and down the hills, some of it very steep.
The views are amazing and you get to see a vast swathe of Phuket, still very close to popular locations like Patong, Kamala and Kathu, but untouched by any civilisation.
You’ll need to be in reasonable health to take on the trip but, just to go up to the Kalim Viewpoint and back, or down into Kalim, should take around 5 hours in total. On a scale of 1 – 5 for difficulty, we’d rate it a 3. An easy trek for experienced people but will need a bit of planning if you’re not an experienced trekker.
Even on a hazy day, as it was today, the views were amazing. But best to start off early morning when the weather is cooler. Well worth the time for the views and the opportunity to see more of Phuket, away from the bars and beaches.
Thanks to BT for the pics and information.
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Phuket
Police say Phuket school won’t be charged for employing foreign teachers without a work permit

An international school in Phuket is not facing charges for employing foreign teachers without a work permit, police told the Phuket News. Back in November, 2 British nationals were arrested at the Palm House International School in Rawai in a raid by Phuket Immigration officers, acting on a tip that teachers were working at the school without a work permit.
The case was handed over to the Chalong Police. The department was also requested to investigate the school for suspected illegal hiring practices. When pressed by Phuket News reporters, the Chalong Police Chief Sarawut Chuprasit said the school officials are not facing any charges for employing the teachers illegally, without a work permit, and referred reporters to the provincial prosecutor.
“I have no reason to press any charge against the school at all. It is not right to accuse the school.”
Many schools in Thailand, especially international schools, obtain work permits for foreign teachers and even pay the fees. It’s also fairly common for foreign teachers to work without the proper documents, especially during the pandemic where travel restrictions make border runs nearly impossible.
Phuket News say police will not release the names of the 2 British teachers and will not give any additional information. They add that the provincial prosecutor’s office will also not release information without a police case number or suspects’ names. In a previous report, Phuket Immigration Deputy Chief also declined to identify the British nationals by name or age.
“Their visa status does not allow them to work or perform any form of business. They were arrested as they are suspected of working without a work permit.”
SOURCE: Phuket News
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