The drug tests, led by Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit, were conducted on Saturday morning (Dec 28).
In total 34 boat operators and crew members were “randomly” tested, said an official report of the screenings.
In addition to Marine Department officials, joining the event were officers from Marine Police, the Phuket branch of Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), Civil Defence Volunteers (OrSor) security personnel and representatives from the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), which operates the pier.
The two operators who tested positive for methamphetamine both agreed to undergo treatment and were immediately prohibited from performing their duties aboard vessels, the official report confirmed.
Marine officials present said they would review whether the two individuals would have their boat operator licences suspended or revoked, the report added.
The “random” screenings were conducted at 8:30am, just two hours before Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong arrived at Chalong Pier to conduct an “inspection” to assure the public and the media representatives present that measures were being taken to ensure safety on the water during the New Year holidays.