PHUKET, THAILAND – Possible unlawful jet ski operations linked to foreign investor groups on Phuket were being reviewed by the government after complaints from local operators.
Government team meets operators in Patong
A fact-finding session followed by a site visit was held in Patong on 12 February, led by Nopporn Boonkaew, deputy permanent secretary to the prime minister. He met beach service providers and jet ski rental businesses to hear their concerns about companies with foreign ties, waterway rules and maritime safety issues.
Complaint triggered national-level review
The review stemmed from a petition dated 30 September last year, submitted by Platth Chandrasobhin, adviser to the Phuket Jet-Ski Rental Operators Club, through the 1111 Public Service Center to the Office of the Prime Minister. The complaint followed an earlier letter of 10 January the same year and called for investigations into firms presenting themselves as associations but allegedly acting as representatives of foreign investors.
Calls to suspend licences over alleged illegal operations
The petition also demanded that licences of jet ski rental operators be suspended if they were found to be operating illegally. After receiving the allegations, the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister instructed the Phuket provincial office, led by Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, and the Phuket Marine Office to examine the claims, act within their powers and report initial findings back to the complainants.
Dispute over water zones and new watercraft
During the Patong meeting, operators raised the impact of waterway regulations and referred to a notice issued by the Phuket provincial office on 16 February this year, which reaffirmed the existing rule that zones for water activities may cover a maximum of 10 percent of the beach area. They also criticised what they said was unapproved rental of electric surfboards, jet surfboards and electric hydrofoil bikes at the beaches of Patong, Kata, Karon and Kalim, claiming these activities interfered with others and increased the risk of accidents.
Alleged nominee structures and pressure on locals
Several operators spoke of influence from foreign investor groups that were allegedly participating in the market through Thai nominee structures and putting pressure on local businesses. At the same time, they highlighted problems with fixed jet ski parking zones, regulation of licensed rental operators, safety concerns over speedboat berths and the danger of sea accidents, as well as allegations that licences had been granted to associations that supposedly represented foreign investment groups and therefore violated existing law.
Operators urge tougher checks and stronger safety
The operators called on authorities to thoroughly investigate organisations that present themselves as associations or representatives of foreign investors and to suspend licences in cases of violations. They also demanded a noticeable strengthening of water safety management at all of Phuket’s beaches to reduce conflicts between providers and risks for swimmers and water sports users.