A high-level meeting was held at the Karon Municipality yesterday (Jan 14), led by Karon Police Chief Pol Col Khundet Na Nongkhai and Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit.
Also in attendance were Pol Lt Col Ekkachai Siri, a Senior Inspector of the Tourist Police Division, and Karon Municipality Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Sakchai Supaburut, alongside parasail, jet-ski and other water activity operators from the Karon and Kata areas.
The meeting focused on implementing stricter safety protocols for activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing and other water sports to ensure the safety of tourists and service providers, said an official report of the meeting.
Following the death of parasail staffer Pathompong Sukduang at Karon Beach on Jan 5, authorities have mandated that all parasail staff wear appropriate protective gear while in operation, said the report.
Phuket Marine Chief Mr Natchapong has already clarified to The Phuket News that all parasail staffers accompanying tourists on parasail rides must wear a harness and be clipped on for safety.
The safety requirement was already standard procedure for parasail operators for years, Mr Natchapong said.
However, the now-deceased Mr Pathompong was not wearing a harness and was not clipped on to prevent him from falling. Hence, when he lost his grip on the parasail ropes, he fell some 200 feet (about 60 metres) to his death.
Boat operators are also required to adhere strictly to safety regulations, with violations subject to legal action, the official report of the meeting yesterday noted.
Police are investigating the fatal parasailing incident and are collecting evidence to determine accountability. Operators found neglecting safety requirements will face prosecution under the law, the report added.
Authorities emphasised the importance of professionalism and safety in Phuket’s water sports sector, underscoring its critical role in maintaining the area’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination, the report also noted.
Hence the meeting yesterday also discussed appropriate behaviour by beach operators when confronted by tourists, particularly in incidents involving jet-ski operations.
Operators at the meeting yesterday were advised to resolve conflicts amicably and document incidents with video or photographic evidence before notifying law enforcement.
Use of force or threats against tourists will result in immediate legal consequences, the operators were warned.
The strengthened measures are expected to provide better protection for both staff and tourists while reducing risks associated with water sports activities, the official report concluded.