Governor orders probe into 'reckless' bungy-jump operators

[webfact]

Governor orders probe into 'reckless' bungy -jump operators
Phuket Gazette


Governor Maitri has ordered police to investigate the illegal construction site of the bungy-jump tower where two men died and one was seriously injured. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: -- Governor Maitri Inthusut has ordered police to investigate the illegal construction site of the Phuket bungy-jump tower where two men died and one was seriously injured on Friday.

“I received a report that the bungy-jump tower was illegal. The owners were issued a permit to construct a building 12 meters tall, but they erected a structure reaching up to 52 meters,” Governor Maitri said.

The governor blamed recklessness for the fatal fall on Friday.

“They tested it at night without enough light. They would have had a hard time checking the equipment properly,” he said.

“Moreover, they did not have experience. Bungy jumps must be built to standards and tested by experts.”

Governor Maitri vowed to inspect all bungy-jump towers throughout Phuket.

“Any bungy jumps on the island found to be unsafe must be shut down,” he said.

The governor also called on local administration officials to ensure building regulations were being followed.

“Officials must inspect construction sites after issuing building permits. They must also make sure buildings are not in risk areas, such as places prone to landslides, and that the structures do not breach height restrictions.”

Tossaporn Suksri and Pitakchai Wongsricha both fell to their deaths on Friday after a malfunction caused the platform they were standing on to free fall at a bungy-jump tower under construction in Chalong.

Anupong Kantawong was the sole survivor of the deadly plunge.

“He is still recovering at Vachira Hospital Phuket,” Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapol told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

— Chutharat Plerin

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Governor-orders-probe-reckless-bungy-jump-operators/29195#ad-image-0


-- Phuket Gazette 2014-04-21

[bluebluewater]

Officials must inspect construction sites after issuing building permits."

Why am I thinking that even if you could even find an "official" to go out there, and have to spend a little time in the sun, that they would not have any idea of what to look for?

[Rykbanlor]

My god, how many Bungy jump sites are there on Phuket?

[PiPiFFS]

Officials must inspect construction sites after issuing building permits."

Why am I thinking that even if you could even find an "official" to go out there, and have to spend a little time in the sun, that they would not have any idea of what to look for?

Even a complete and utter incompetent couldn't fail to spot a permit for a 12 meter structure against a 52 meter structure.

[Ulic]

As usual the Governor is a day late and a dollar short. At least no customers were hurt.

[jaiyen]

Easy to solve the permit problem....make the bungy jump tower 12 metres tall !!

[DoctorG]

Who would be crazy enough to bungy-jump in a country with such a disregard for safety?

[socksy01]

Firstly, Im no racist - my ex brother in law from Zimbabwe told me a joke many years ago about an advert in a newspaper there, quote "Zulu bungee jumpers required. No strings attached". Unquote.

[Somtamnication]

Amazing. Investigations start after a death, but not before. No prior inspections, safety regulations. Nothing.

[Cylon]

I wouldnt let them build a 12ft tower.

[BestBitterPhuket]

As usual, the Governor is inspecting, checking, looking, commenting, sharing his visions, promising etc, but no actions taken as usual.

[eezergood]

Firstly, Im no racist - my ex brother in law from Zimbabwe told me a joke many years ago about an advert in a newspaper there, quote "Zulu bungee jumpers required. No strings attached". Unquote.

Why did you feel the need to preceed your comment with ......... If you arent racist, what are you worried about?

[eezergood]

My god, how many Bungy jump sites are there on Phuket?

3 I think

[NamKangMan]

As usual, the Governor is inspecting, checking, looking, commenting, sharing his visions, promising etc, but no actions taken as usual.

That's his job, Public Relations, not to actually Govern.

[NamKangMan]

My god, how many Bungy jump sites are there on Phuket?

3 I think

That would make Phuket a "hub" for Bungy Jump sites.

[LivinginKata]

My god, how many Bungy jump sites are there on Phuket?

3 I think

I guess the original bungy in Kathu, the one in Patong next to the bowling alley, and this new Chalong one.

[madmitch]

“Moreover, they did not have experience (to check the facilities). Bungy jumps must be built to standards and tested by experts.”

One was the owner, the other the so-called engineer? Who does have the experience to check if the engineer doesn't?

Maybe the OrBorJor already has an expert to confirm the facilities are safe (in return for a brown envelope of course).