Warunya Thongrod
Pattaya would build a Global Positioning System-based navigation
system to monitor tourist-boat traffic and require insurance coverage
for boat operators under a plan laid by area government and police
officials to prevent marine accidents like the one that cost a South
Korean tourist his leg last month.
Tourism
and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak replies to questions asked by
Pattaya media.
Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak met
May 16 with Chonburi Deputy Gov. Adisak Thepass, Pattaya Deputy Mayor
Ronakit Ekasingh, Tourist Police Commander Lt. Col. Arun Promphan, and
Marine Department Region 6 Director Raewat Potriang to review improved
safety plans he demanded after the April 21 collision of two speedboats
off Koh Larn’s Tawaen Beach that injured 18 tourists and two guides. One
tourist lost half his leg while another’s leg was nearly severed.
Fueled by passionate criticism from victims about slow response and low
safety standards, the incident became worldwide news with Somsak saying
the accident already has damaged the tourist industry.
The plans call for integration of the Royal Thai Police, Marine Police,
Tourism Authority of Thailand, civil defense volunteers and city hall.
After reviewing the plans, Somsak directed the Marine Department within
three weeks to draft legislative language to require speedboats to be
equipped with GPS transceivers and for boat operators be mandated to
carry insurance covering damage and injuries. He also requested an
estimate of how much additional staff and funds the Marine Department
needs to quickly and competently respond to accidents.
“After listening to the safety measures to assist
tourists, I believe that these are measures we can take but there are no
laws currently on the books to require installation of GPS or additional
insurance,” Somsak said. “Therefore, I have ordered the Marine
Department to draft language to serve as the basis of laws allowing the
Marine Department to distribute its power to other local administration
organizations or the provincial governor in order for officers to offer
help.”
The minister said he hoped that, if the safety
measures are implemented, Pattaya and Chonburi would become a model for
other coastal tourist destinations to follow.
Somsak noted, however, that in addition to new laws, additional funding
would be needed for the GPS-based navigation system and extra staff. He
plans to bring a budget request to the Cabinet for consideration.
In the interim, the Royal Thai Police later this year will open a police
station on Koh Larn to better serve tourists. The station still requires
approval and a budget from the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
