In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust.

 

The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking. Officials then responded by welding patches over the areas rust had eaten into. However, this recent development now raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures.

 

A tour boat operator shared their frustration with this recurring issue with Chalong Pier, stating, “This is happening time and again. Not only is it unsightly for tourists to see when they board boats to head out on tours, but it is dangerous. The exposed rust poses a danger to their feet. They cannot even walk barefoot onto the boats.”

There is an apparent risk of a potential accident due to the sinking pontoon. “It may be sinking slowly now, but no one knows if the pontoon will just give way and sink,” the operator noted, expressing concern about the precarious situation travellers are being put in.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Phuket News

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/safety-fears-rise-as-key-phuket-boat-tour-facility-chalong-pier-sinks-again

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-24

 

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30 minutes ago, webfact said:

“It may be sinking slowly now, but no one knows if the pontoon will just give way and sink,”

 

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.

This the kind of thinking and SOP that makes Thailand a third world country.....

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking. Officials then responded by welding patches over the areas rust had eaten into. However, this recent development now raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures.

Safety first Thailand.

A few cans of that rubber leak seal stuff and they should be good to go.

 

I wonder if they pumped the water out of the pontoons before repairing them....

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Safety first Thailand.

Sometimes the signs don't work. It's the sign's fault.

Maintenance is not on the agenda, 

These tour operators have been milking that thing forever. Its just as much their fault for not consulting with the local govt for a plan

 

9 hours ago, webfact said:

but no one knows if the pontoon will just give way and sink,

When a massed Chinese tour party arrives (with respect)???

10 hours ago, webfact said:

They cannot even walk barefoot onto the boats.”

Shocking! What is the world coming to when a human cannot board a boat barefoot?

Use the millions of pounds of plastic waste and make a pontoon that won't sink.

Problem solved.