Last tourists stuck on island off Phuket arrive back
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Speedboats finally managed to bring the tourists back to Phuket this morning (July 9).

PHUKET: -- The last of more than 150 tourists who had been stuck on Koh Racha Yai since Phuket Marine Office chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut ordered that no speedboats less than nine meters in length put to sea finally made it back to Phuket this morning (July 9).

Mr Phuripat ordered made the order on Tuesday (July 6) after some speedboat operators openly ignored a safety order to stay ashore (see story here). Nearly all visitors to the island are transported there via speedboat.

A representative from one hotel on Koh Racha who declined to be named said, “Most of the tourists were Chinese, and many of them had booked as individuals to stay on Koh Racha via websites.

“Rayaburi Resort, Racha Bungalow Resort and Baan Raya Resort and Spa have put the tourists up for the extra days free of charge.”

Danai Poocharoen, from the islandʼs Racha Resort added, “We gave accommodation to the tourists.We had no contact from any insurance companies, but, we still helped and supported the tourists because they needed assistance.

“Boat captains knew very well that they could not bring there boats here yesterday, but today everything is normal and some tourists have even come to visit the island.”

However, Mr Phuriphat has said that boat captains should still take note of weather warnings, speaking to The Phuket News, he said, “We are still feeling the effects of typhoon Linfa which is close to Hong Kong and ships which are less then 12 metres in length are still not allowed to go to Phi Phi or Racha Island.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/last-tourists-stuck-on-island-off-phuket-arrive-back-53137.php

-- Phuket News 2015-07-10

Well hopefully everyone was kept comfortable but a lot missed there flights.

Dont think they will be back and why should they ... ?