Phuket Jet Ski Crackdown Nets 23 Violators
Phuket harbor officials charged 23 jet ski operators for lacking proper licenses during a July 15 crackdown ordered by the deputy transport minister to improve safety standards and service quality in tourism areas.
Deputy Transport Minister Sarupetch Bunnyanaphani ordered the Phuket Regional Harbor Office to intensify enforcement against jet ski operators following complaints about service standards and lax law enforcement in tourism areas. On July 15, harbor officials led by Adul Raluk Mool, working with marine police, conducted inspections on land and water to prosecute violations under Thailand's Navigation in Thai Waters Act.
The initial sweep resulted in 23 charges against operators for using vessels before obtaining proper licenses, a violation of Section 9 of the Navigation Act. All 23 violators were settled through maximum fines of 10,000 baht each. Sarupetch confirmed this is the beginning of a sustained regulatory campaign to upgrade service standards while strictly enforcing the law. Additional crackdowns will be expanded to other major tourism areas to improve safety, prevent tourist exploitation, and enhance Thailand's international reputation for water tourism.
