Video Report: Free life-jacket exchange to float Phuket water safety

PHUKET: More than 1,000 old life jackets were exchanged for new ones, certified by the Marine Office, at the launch of a life-jacket exchange program chaired by the Minister of Transport, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, yesterday.

The goal of the event was aimed to improve safety for boat passengers during the Christmas and New Year holidays and beyond, explained Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

“We are trying to make water transportation safer for everyone, as it is one of the most important factors in tourism on the Andaman coast,” Ms Kobkarn said.

“The growing numbers of tourists using boats has led us to boost our safety measures in order to avoid accidents. We want Phuket to be one of the most reliable destinations for sea travel.”

The event was instigated at the behest of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha as a New Year’s gift from the government, noted Air Chief Marshal Prajin.

Officials are considering making the exchange program a long-term project, he added.

“I would like to wish both locals and tourists travelling here a merry Christmas and a happy New Year,” said Ms Kobkarn.

“Travel safely and have a great time in Phuket.”

— Woranut Pechdee