Illegal jet ski blitz: Phuket clamps down on rogue operators
Police in Phuket have made waves by seizing six unlicenced jet skis during a dramatic raid at Cape Yamu, Pa Khlok, Thalang.
The operation, yesterday, November 28, led by Phuket Marine Police and Marine Department officers, was launched under orders from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit.
The raid, conducted at Yamu Pier, aligns with a provincial policy prioritising maritime safety and strict adherence to regulations.
According to an official report, six jet skis were found operating without licences, a clear violation of Section 9 of the Thai Navigation Act 1913, updated by Section 60 (No. 14) 1992.
The offending operators, whose identities remain undisclosed, were slapped with the maximum penalty of 10,000 baht per jet ski. While this serves as a warning, police have also issued a directive banning unlicenced jet skis from offering services to tourists.
“This operation underscores the importance of compliance with maritime laws to ensure safety for all.”
Phuket Marine Office officials have urged all operators to adhere strictly to licensing requirements to avoid facing similar penalties in the future.
The crackdown is part of a broader campaign to promote responsible tourism and preserve Phuket’s reputation as a safe, world-class destination. With the bustling high season underway, authorities are determined to prevent illegal operations from tarnishing the island’s appeal, reported Phuket News.
In related news, police sought a reckless jet-ski rider responsible for a shocking hit-and-run incident at Patong Beach that left an Israeli tourist battered and bruised. The drama unfolded around 6.21pm on October 6, when the unidentified foreigner, piloting a white-and-blue jet-ski, smashed into swimmer Nimrod Filip Solomon before vanishing into the sunset.
In other news, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Marine Police Region 8 arrested two tour boat operators in Phuket for a series of breaches in February.
