The Marine Department expects changes to tour boat inspection will restore confidence among tourists who have questioned the safety of Thai tour vessels.
Thailand’s Marine Department believes progress is being made in improving Phuket’s tour boat safety following a number of recent boating incidents, including the deaths of 48 Chinese tourists in a boat tragedy off Phuket.
The Marine Department expects changes to tour boat inspection will restore confidence among tourists who have questioned the safety of Thai tour vessels.
The Marine Department has assigned 26 more officers at every port and pier in Phuket to perform checks on boats and passengers heading out on sea excursions.
It is also in the process of deploying more officers at other Thai resort destinations.
In addition, a new regulation dictates all tour boats will be checked twice a month, up from once a month, to ensure the equipment on board, and the crew, meet safety regulations.