Thailand's Phuket smartens up to bring tourists back

MARIMI KISHIMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

 

Wristbands are being given to tourists in Phuket before they venture out to sea as a safety measure. (Photo by Marimi Kishimoto)

 

After accidents this summer, island puts latest tech to use to bolster safety

 

BANGKOK -- Reeling from a deadly boat accident this summer, Thailand's Phuket Island is using "smart" technologies to tackle issues like safety and traffic in an effort to get back on track amid the Southeast Asian tourism boom.

 

The international tourist destination has seen tourist traffic drop off after two boats capsized in July, killing dozens. It is trying to reshape its image by using the latest technology to prevent accidents and crime.

 

For tourists looking to dive into Phuket's waters, for example, the latest accessory is a wristband with a QR code. Divers and other globetrotters must hold the bracelet in front of automated ticketing gates to enter the pier and board boats.

 

Full story: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Trends/Thailand-s-Phuket-smartens-up-to-bring-tourists-back

 

-- Asia Nikkei Review

70 baht at Ao Por pier

That would keep me away for sure. Brilliant!

Wonder the real price under the badly stuck on price.

State-run CAT Telecom developed the system with a local tour company and South Korean partner. A location-tracking feature will be added by the end of this year to help search for accident victims.

 

Brilliant! No need to waste time, money and energy preventing accidents…instead just work on recovering the bodies. It’s a sure winner.

 

 

 

Thats a great idea...... when underwater and you have a problem just pull your iPhone out and zap the QR code... BRILLIANT...... you gotta be kidding me!!

2 hours ago, Hayduke said:

State-run CAT Telecom developed the system with a local tour company and South Korean partner. A location-tracking feature will be added by the end of this year to help search for accident victims.

 

Brilliant! No need to waste time, money and energy preventing accidents…instead just work on recovering the bodies. It’s a sure winner.

 

 

 

My thoughts exactly.

  A ''gadget''...its getting harder and harder to tell people I live in this country...

This gadget will help you get a Dortor in case of an emergency.....

 

I dont get it.

15 minutes ago, quadperfect said:

I dont get it.

Actually I barely do either. It's not easily presented on the FB page.

Anyway, if I didn't want a dortor, could I have some son instead?

 

2 hours ago, quadperfect said:

I dont get it.

That's because there is a typo on the bracelet.

It should actually read "SCAM Emergency".

 

It makes identifying the bodies easier.

error

 

Ooh, Thailand IS getting smarter.  Now they're tracking foreigners AND making the foreigners pay for the privilege!  Progress, guys!

14 hours ago, Hayduke said:

Brilliant! No need to waste time, money and energy preventing accidents…instead just work on recovering the bodies. It’s a sure winner.

Of course and the QR code will hold the contact details of next of Kin

New Thai safety device:

 

 

this smart move is a test run for next ankle band which will be given to you on Arrival to keep track of foreigners.hehe...

I thought they will give priority to boat's safety and sea worthiness to prevent accidents. OPERATORS MUST CARRY BIG INSURANCE if allowed to take tourists on board.

 

Why don't they track the criminals instead?

13 minutes ago, Mickmouse1 said:

this smart move is a test run for next ankle band which will be given to you on Arrival to keep track of foreigners.hehe...

I thought they will give priority to boat's safety and sea worthiness to prevent accidents. OPERATORS MUST CARRY BIG INSURANCE if allowed to take tourists on board.

 

I agree with what you say.

However, it relies on the authorities willingness to enforce any rules dreamt up each time there's a disaster.

As we know, there is no interest in enforcing any rules.

Looks good, more plastic waste for the sea.

 

 

NOTICE:

 

No brother in laws, sisters, cousins, uncles, or other relatives were injured in the procurement process of this gizmo.

Is there a 'do not allow to swim' one for the chinese ? 

17 minutes ago, Juan B Tong said:

NOTICE:

 

No brother in laws, sisters, cousins, uncles, or other relatives were injured in the procurement process of this gizmo.

What they really require is a dirigible.

 

I have not seen a zeppelin mooted for years and I'm wondering why...

Back to soft-peddling technology to track (evil) foreigners.  They're not going to stop until they have foreigners micro-chipped as they get off the plane - for their own safety, of course.

Unless they double as air bag or flotation device, I don't see whole lot of safety in this latest avoidance of responsibility (like enforcing standards and laws)

After the landslide win of the Brass Brothers be prepared for phase 2. It may be mandatory:

 

This is a great initiative.  It will speed up the process of identifying the deceased tourists, so their next of kin can receive their condolence baskets of fruit quicker.  ????

Great idea....it identifies the targets for the scammers.

1 minute ago, Pedrogaz said:

Great idea....it identifies the targets for the scammers.

Or, looking at it from the other angle: Aren't these supposed to zero dollar tourists with no cash to spend?

At least the scammers will know where not to waste their time...