The move is aimed at ensuring all rental jet-skis in Phuket are covered by first-class insurance, Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut told the quarterly meeting of Phuket's honorary consuls last Friday,
"Since we started managing jet-ski rental operations in 2007, 219 jet-skis have been registered. However, we have found 70 jet jet-skis that are unregistered," Chief Phuripat told the consuls.
The Marine Office is not planning legal action against the offending jet-ski operators, but has instead asked them to cooperate with his office, he said.
"Also, the jet-skis will be registered for particular zones, which means that jet-skis being rented out in Patong cannot be used in other areas," he added.
Previously, jet-skis had to be registered with the marine Office under the category of cruiser and sports boat. "Under that system, there had been many problems with jet-ski insurance claims. So now we have created a category especially for jet-ski rental businesses. This system has been specifically designed for Phuket," explained Chief Phuripat.
Phuket Provincial Police Comander maj Gen Pekad Tantipong said that police had so far received about 40 reports of foreigners damaging jet-skis. "So I would like tourists who have a disagreement with a jet-ski operator to go to the police. That will make it fair for both sides," he said.
Jet-ski insurance scams have long tarnished Phuket's reputation among tourists, with pressure from consuls and ambassadors placing Phuket's top officials squarely in the spotlight.
No comments:
Post a Comment