Sky rocketing cost of fuel threatens boat tourism in Phuket

[webfact]

Picture: Daily News

 

A leading figure representing the pleasure boat industry in Phuket said that the rising cost of fuel threatens the industry.

 

Wirintra Paphakityotphat, senior executive of Nikorn Marine Group told Daily News that tourists would stop using boats if the price went up.

 

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She said that a liter of fuel for boats had doubled from 20 baht to 40 in next to no time.

 

Picture: Daily News

 

But due to the dire state of the economy caused by the pandemic and the fact that tourists have far less money to spare these days the industry is unable to raise prices.

 

She called on the government to introduce price caps to help the industry. 

 

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[JoePai]

Why is the diesel used in boats more expensive than the 30 baht (capped) that trucks use ?

[Kuzbidon]

Would be great if they also extend again the temporary importation of vehicles (including yachts). It's curently a procedure that must be done every 6 months but max 4 times

Some people who have been stranded by closure of neighborhood countries start to leave for this only reason and may as not come back as crossing border in yacht still a long and costly procedure.

If a yacht owner want to do full import, he has not only to pay VAT but also to change boat registration to Thailand, that has many implications most owners don't want.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Wirintra Paphakityotphat, senior executive of Nikorn Marine Group told Daily News that tourists would stop using boats if the price went up.

Suck it up buttercup.

[Peterphuket]

7 hours ago, JoePai said:

Why is the diesel used in boats more expensive than the 30 baht (capped) that trucks use ?

It's easy, no competition., especially in LOS with so much other things.

But boat owners can bear that loss, and the tourists? Are they still there?

[it is what it is]

7 hours ago, JoePai said:

Why is the diesel used in boats more expensive than the 30 baht (capped) that trucks use ?

 

same reason why is fuel more expensive at some petrol stations than others, economics.

[MrJ2U]

3 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

the tourists? Are they still there?

Not many.

 

If you've ever taken a boat tour, especially in Thailand, it'll be expensive.

 

Boat tours are like a once in a lifetime thing.  You do it and it's crossed of your list.

 

You don't get much return business.

[London Lowf]

4 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

If you've ever taken a boat tour, especially in Thailand, it'll be expensive.

 

Boat tours are like a once in a lifetime thing.  You do it and it's crossed of your list.

Before I discovered Phuket I holidayed for several years in Fethiye, Turkey and used to do boat trips three times a week - they were fantastic value and a great day out and I must have done more than fifty over the years.

 

I've done one trip from Phuket with Phuket Sail Tours (who have a great reputation) but I have never been tempted to repeat the experience - relatively speaking, it was very poor value.

Edited March 10, 2022 by London Lowf

[MrJ2U]

5 hours ago, London Lowf said:

Turkey

Great value for vacation!

 

Beautiful place.  

 

 

[sammieuk1]

Agree with her the Russians have far less to spend for sure I feel their pain! now time for a beer ????

[superal]

7 hours ago, London Lowf said:

Before I discovered Phuket I holidayed for several years in Fethiye, Turkey and used to do boat trips three times a week - they were fantastic value and a great day out and I must have done more than fifty over the years.

 

I've done one trip from Phuket with Phuket Sail Tours (who have a great reputation) but I have never been tempted to repeat the experience - relatively speaking, it was very poor value.

Me too in Antalya on gulets . Very relaxing and I remember one trip when we were in a large river fed from the mountains and the water was freezing despite the temperature being about 40 c

[Pattaya Spotter]

Not affected the scuba diving boats much...many days it's tough to get spot; and forget about weekends. 

[impulse]

On 3/11/2022 at 2:23 AM, Pattaya Spotter said:

Not affected the scuba diving boats much...many days it's tough to get spot; and forget about weekends. 

I suspect that's because there are so few of them left in business after the last 2 years.

[Lucky Bones]

A bit of cashflow/scamming management wouldn't have gone astray in heady days of old.

Wait......what.....huh??