The MoU was signed between Mr Atthaphon and Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at an event at Phuket Provincial Hall.
The MoU aims to advance the Boat Taxi project, enhancing the water public transport system, reducing traffic congestion, and increasing travel options for tourists and the public, said an official report of the event.
Also participated in the signing were Therdthai Kwanthong, Director of the DNP’s Protected Area Management Office 5, and Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Phuket Marine Office, and other relevant agencies
Representatives from the private sector were also present for the occasion, said the report.
The project aims to create a pilot route from Sirinat National Park, Nai Yang Beach, near Phuket International Airport, to Patong Beach. The 16.7 nautical mile journey takes only 40 minutes, compared to the current 1.5-3 hour travel time by land during rush hours, the report noted.
The initial development of 14 port locations covers key tourist areas such as Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn beaches.
The project emphasizes convenient, safe, and environmentally friendly services, with safety monitoring measures such as monitoring boat routes via AIS, GPS, and VHF radios, said the report.
“The project continues to prioritize assessing ecological impacts, particularly sea turtle nesting areas, and ensuring legal mooring buoys and piers. Sirinat National Park has already submitted a permit application, and the Phuket Marine Office will submit the matter to the Phuket Provincial Waterways Encroachment Review Committee on Sept 16, chaired by the Phuket Governor,” the report added.
However, the western coast route will only operate during the high season ‒ from November to April ‒ due to southwest monsoon weather conditions.
The Boat Taxi project represents an important step in evolving Phuket’s public transportation system to international standards, reducing road congestion and increasing passenger convenience. This is a key mechanism in promoting Phuket’s sustainable development as a world-class tourist destination.
The ‘boat taxi’ project has been on officials’ agendas for many a year now. Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Phuket in January as Prime Minister at the time said her administration aimed to address critical issues in Phuket and set the stage for the island’s growth as a ‘Premium Tourism’ destination.
Among those “issues” were plans for ‘Boat Taxis’ “to enhance connectivity and attract private sector investment”.
Yet, just as with any other major transport project planned for Phuket, the ‘boat taxi’ project already has been more than 10 years in coming.
In 2014, the Cabinet approved a budget of B240 million for building a passenger jetty at the Phuket International Airport, allowing people to arrive on Phuket by air and then travel on by boat to where they are staying.