Region 5 Marine Office is enhancing maritime safety measures to ensure visitor well-being during the high season in the Andaman Sea, including enforcing regulations, verifying licenses and permits, and conducting inspections. These measures aim to boost visitor confidence in the region’s safety, particularly with the introduction of a visa-free scheme and an expected increase in visitors, including from China. #MaritimeSafety #AndamanSea #VisaFree #TourismBoost #ChinaTourism
Strengthening Safety Measures
The Region 5 Marine Office is implementing enhanced maritime safety measures to ensure the well-being of visitors in the Andaman Sea during the upcoming high season. Prawet Supachai, the office director, has instructed all marine offices in Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phangnga, Satun, and Trang to work closely with relevant parties, including operators, to review safety precautions and comply with maritime regulations.
Marine officials are also directed to strictly enforce maritime regulations, conduct thorough pier and vessel inspections, and verify boat licenses and crew members’ work permits, among other responsibilities.
Visa-Free Scheme Boosts Visitor Numbers
These six provinces anticipate a significant increase in visitors, particularly from China, following the introduction of a visa-free scheme for Chinese and Kazakh nationals. The scheme is set to last until February 29th. Between January 1st and October 9th this year, approximately 9.1 million people have used the piers under the supervision of the Region 5 Marine Office, resulting in 410,000 total trips.
Phuket recorded the highest number of passengers at four million, followed by Krabi with 3.6 million, and Satun with 760,000. Ranong had 330,000 passengers, while Phangnga had 220,000 and Trang had 104,000.
Inspections and Safety Standards
To further ensure public safety, marine officials conducted inspections at numerous piers in Phuket last weekend. Their goal was to evaluate safety measures, operational standards, and emergency preparedness in case of accidents or other incidents.
The initiative undertaken by the Region 5 Marine Office is a proactive approach to boost visitor confidence in the region’s maritime safety. This strategy is expected to support the steady growth of tourism in the Andaman Sea provinces, contributing to the local economy while prioritizing the safety and well-being of tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the improved maritime safety measures being implemented in the Andaman Sea?
The Region 5 Marine Office is enhancing maritime safety measures in the Andaman Sea to ensure visitor well-being during the high season. These measures include enforcing regulations, verifying licenses and permits, and conducting inspections. Marine officials will work closely with relevant parties, such as operators, to review safety precautions and comply with maritime regulations.
How is the visa-free scheme affecting visitor numbers in the Andaman Sea region?
The visa-free scheme for Chinese and Kazakh nationals is expected to significantly increase visitor numbers in the six provinces of the Andaman Sea region. Between January 1st and October 9th this year, approximately 9.1 million people have used the piers under the supervision of the Region 5 Marine Office, resulting in 410,000 total trips.
What is the purpose of the inspections being conducted by marine officials?
Marine officials conducted inspections at numerous piers in Phuket to evaluate safety measures, operational standards, and emergency preparedness in case of accidents or other incidents. This proactive approach aims to boost visitor confidence in the region’s maritime safety and support the steady growth of tourism in the Andaman Sea provinces, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of tourists.
