Phuket is investing in “smart piers” to enhance tourist services and increase safety, with plans to upgrade a fourth privately-run pier. The region is also seeing a rise in new marina development, making for a safer and more enjoyable maritime experience. #Phuket #SmartPiers #Tourism #MarineInfrastructure #MarinaDevelopment #TropicalParadise
Introduction
Phuket, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, is transforming its marine infrastructure by upgrading its piers to become “smart piers.” These technologically advanced piers aim to improve tourist services and enhance safety, boosting tourist confidence in traveling. Currently, Phuket has three smart piers – Ao Por Pier, Visit Panwa Pier, and Rassada Pier. The region’s marine office has announced its plans to upgrade a fourth privately-run pier, the Ao Chalong pier.
Expanding Smart Pier Network
The Phuket regional marine office is collaborating with various agencies, including the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), to turn Ao Chalong pier into a smart pier. With a budget of approximately 60 million baht, this project follows in the footsteps of Thailand’s first smart pier, the Ao Por Pier.
Nachapong Pranit, the office director, emphasized the importance of digital solutions in improving tourism service standards and enhancing safety. The marine office is also seeking cooperation from state agencies and private operators who run other piers to invest in better services and safety measures.
Phuket currently has a total of 18 piers and five marinas catering to 40,000 passengers per day during the high season. This number reduces to half during the low season.
New Marina Developments
Apart from upgrading piers, Phuket is also witnessing a surge in interest from businesses keen on developing new marinas. Proposed development plans are under review for locations like Ao Makham, Ao Kung, and Mai Khoa. Business operators are supportive of a cruise terminal development project, as the island is a popular stop for cruise liners passing through the region.
Preparing for the High Season
To ensure smooth operations during the upcoming high season, the provincial marine office and the local maritime tourism industry recently organized a workshop. Over 100 boat service operators and crew members were trained and encouraged to study navigation rules, review operation standards, inspect communication tools and safety gear, and adhere to storm warnings strictly.
Nachapong Pranit highlighted the significance of safety measures in boosting tourist confidence. In line with this, marine officials from Phuket, Krabi, and Phangnga have established operation standards to guarantee tour boat safety. As part of these measures, tour boat trips must notify their region’s maritime traffic and safety center of their trips.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Maritime Experience
The development of smart piers and marinas, along with the training workshops for boat service operators and crew members, demonstrates Phuket’s commitment to providing a safer and more enjoyable maritime experience for both tourists and locals. By embracing technology and fostering collaboration, the region is setting the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future in maritime tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “smart piers” and how do they enhance the tourism experience in Phuket?
Smart piers are technologically advanced piers designed to improve tourist services and enhance safety, boosting tourist confidence in traveling. Phuket currently has three smart piers – Ao Por Pier, Visit Panwa Pier, and Rassada Pier – with plans to upgrade a fourth privately-run pier, the Ao Chalong pier. The development of these piers, along with collaborations with various agencies, aims to provide a safer and more enjoyable maritime experience for both tourists and locals.
How is Phuket expanding its smart pier network, and what is the role of digital solutions in this expansion?
The Phuket regional marine office is collaborating with agencies such as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) to transform Ao Chalong pier into a smart pier. With a budget of approximately 60 million baht, this project follows in the footsteps of Thailand’s first smart pier, the Ao Por Pier. Nachapong Pranit, the office director, emphasizes the importance of digital solutions in improving tourism service standards and enhancing safety. The marine office is also seeking cooperation from state agencies and private operators who run other piers to invest in better services and safety measures.
What new marina developments and safety measures are being implemented to improve Phuket’s maritime tourism experience?
Phuket is witnessing a surge in interest from businesses keen on developing new marinas, with proposed development plans under review for locations like Ao Makham, Ao Kung, and Mai Khoa. Additionally, marine officials from Phuket, Krabi, and Phangnga have established operation standards to guarantee tour boat safety, including the requirement that tour boat trips notify their region’s maritime traffic and safety center of their trips. Furthermore, the provincial marine office and the local maritime tourism industry recently organized a workshop to train over 100 boat service operators and crew members, emphasizing the importance of studying navigation rules, reviewing operation standards, inspecting communication tools and safety gear, and adhering to storm warnings strictly.
