Thai Tourism Minister confirms stringent measures to take care of tourists

[webfact]

Tourism Minister confirms stringent measures to take care of tourists



BANGKOK, 6 June 2016 (NNT) - The tourism minister has confirmed the introduction of stringent measures to watch over the safety of tourists.

Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, traveled to Koh Samui in Surat Thani to listen to measures being taken to tackle problems in the tourism industry, including those related to the rental of speed boats and ferries, passenger boats, motorcycle taxis and taxis.

The measures discussed covered the safety of tourists on Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao.

Surat Thani Governor Wongsiri Promchana, said that after the recent boat accident, which resulted in the deaths of four tourists who were on their way back from the Ang Thong National Marine Park, the Koh Samui Marine Department has launched a safety awareness campaign to ensure that all tourists put on life vests while traveling.

He said that Marine Department officials also stepped up the enforcement of laws while the Department of Land Transport has been advised to tackle problems related to public transportation.


-- NNT 2016-06-06

[Smiley Face]

The Koh Samui Marine Department has launched a safety awareness campaign . . .

. . . Department of Land Transport has been advised to tackle problems related to public transportation.

Wow those are certainly stringent measures! ! ! I did not see where they once used the word "please" so obviously these measures will be taken seriously.

Have to love these ministry officials.

Edited June 5, 2016 by Smiley Face

[Squeegee]

They'd do a better job for tourism by wheeling her out just for Halloween.

[noitom]

Thais are always introducing "stringent measures." A Thai introduction of stringent measures is nothing more than a flatulence in church.

[smedly]

oh dear, .........to ensure that all tourists put on life vests.........

that sentence just stinks again of blaming the tourists

nothing to do with -

over loading

no training

taking loaded boats out when severe weather warnings are in effect

perhaps when people are held responsible and severe penalties are handed out to the people running these businesses (and we all have an idea who that could be) and not just after an incident occurs.

How many more people have to die before they get it, perhaps when their very important tourist industry vanishes they will be left scratching their heads wondering what went wrong

Edited June 5, 2016 by smedly

[ezzra]

The best way to start will be to make sure that the service providers of transportation vehicles, boats,

and all other leisure activates equipment and machinery will undergo a " stringent " testing to insure

their mechanical worthiness, that you do the same with the people that operate the above, and not

every out of season farmer will become a driver or operator of such equipment's that ferry and

transport tourist, but what do I know, I'm just a dumb farang, and minister probably knows best......

[Thechook]

Oh this again. Is it that time of the month again? Meanwhile tourists are dying and being beaten in droves, can't wait for the July media release stating stringent measures being rolled out to protect tourist dollars.

[NongKhaiKid]

Not bad coming from a lady who has on more than one occasion expressed regret at incidents involving tourists but only regret that tourism itself could be affected.

[alfalfa19]

Well, if it's confirmed, I reckon it's safe for all to go back to Thailand, confident in their own well-being.

[bangkokheat]

i would say there should be stringent brain testing on the operators of passenger vessels

[shirtless]

Just more hot air from somebody who is not qualified to do her job, got love these safety concerns that never actually get enforced this same statement will be rolled out every time there is an accident. and that is everyday.

[mihalis]

Oh this again. Is it that time of the month again? Meanwhile tourists are dying and being beaten in droves, can't wait for the July media release stating stringent measures being rolled out to protect tourist dollars.

Love the bitter foriegners, dying and beaten in droves.. Ahahaha, beating tourist hmm come to Australia and see

[cumgranosalum]

"Minister confirms stringent bromides to save face and lull tourists into false sense of security"?

[monty1412]

ahhh once more the tiger without teeth tries to roar but more like a sterile purr.........

Once again Im staggered by the lack of curative analysis.......

Lets not ascertain why these accidents are occurring rather lets make sure all tourists have life jackets on just in case it happens again....

Where are the measures and controls on boat seaworthiness, max permissible passengers per boat , skippers licensing and training, accident management plans , weather contingency plans and controls, insurance provision and coverage.. etc etc etc......

Where is the strong co-ordination between various departments who have jurisdiction here..... "Land Transport being advised to tackle problems" sounds very casual indeed......

Were the measures introduced not published in this release as the terminology " stringent" as applied doth butter no parsnips.

[Rimbuman]

How about Koh Tao?

[williamgeorgeallen]

its the tourists fault for coming here, followed by a crack down on tourists in the form of shake downs for over staying visas. but seriously, in all probability nothing will change but some noise must be made to justify important positions. some undercover 'tourists' with cameras could quite easily get evidence of unsafe practices followed by some punishment.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Wow! Life jackets? What are those?

[ramrod711]

Not bad coming from a lady who has on more than one occasion expressed regret at incidents involving tourists but only regret that tourism itself could be affected.

I'm sure you remember the proposal from TAT that each tourist would require a paid guide after arriving in Thailand. Nothing like having to pay your air fare and your guides to promote tourism. That was a few years ago, but it's still the stupidest suggestion from TAT, although there are a plethora of others in the running.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

No need for a Life jacket when you have 4 or 5 amulets around your neck to protect you. Shucks... That Life jacket is just added weight.

[silent]

Oh this again. Is it that time of the month again? Meanwhile tourists are dying and being beaten in droves, can't wait for the July media release stating stringent measures being rolled out to protect tourist dollars.

Love the bitter foriegners, dying and beaten in droves.. Ahahaha, beating tourist hmm come to Australia and see

So Australia isn't a good place to get a vacation from it either? I see (said the blind man).

[mesterm]

oh dear, .........to ensure that all tourists put on life vests.........

that sentence just stinks again of blaming the tourists

nothing to do with -

over loading

no training

taking loaded boats out when severe weather warnings are in effect

perhaps when people are held responsible and severe penalties are handed out to the people running these businesses (and we all have an idea who that could be) and not just after an incident occurs.

How many more people have to die before they get it, perhaps when their very important tourist industry vanishes they will be left scratching their heads wondering what went wrong

Arai na...

[2008bangkok]

Gotcha, so the thinking Is that when the boat crashes all tourist have a life jacket on LOL, what about making sure the drivers have a proper licence to drive a boat, random alcohol breath tests and dare I say it every motor vehicle that is rented for tourists must have full insurance whether that's a boat, car or bike.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

If (and that's a Big IF) there are life jackets on the boat you need to use two of them to fit a foreigner.

Edited June 6, 2016 by Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere

[NongKhaiKid]

Not bad coming from a lady who has on more than one occasion expressed regret at incidents involving tourists but only regret that tourism itself could be affected.

I'm sure you remember the proposal from TAT that each tourist would require a paid guide after arriving in Thailand. Nothing like having to pay your air fare and your guides to promote tourism. That was a few years ago, but it's still the stupidest suggestion from TAT, although there are a plethora of others in the running.

Forgive me if I'm confused but wasn't there something about electronic bracelets too ?

[outsider]

Thais are always introducing "stringent measures." A Thai introduction of stringent measures is nothing more than a flatulence in church.

They also love to 'vow'. Always vowing to do this and crack down on that...

[oldlakey]

The only thing to be taken from this latest round of BS is that

TAT are still studiously cooking the books

[Khun Paul]

A load of publicity hype with zero enforcement on quality and safety regarding the boats or the crew or even the use oif the boats, BUT Tourists yes ,wear life jackets. When the captain of boat is stupid you will at least float before nasty animals eat you, how's that for good tourism .........EH !!!!

[NongKhaiKid]

Thais are always introducing "stringent measures." A Thai introduction of stringent measures is nothing more than a flatulence in church.

They also love to 'vow'. Always vowing to do this and crack down on that...

Another hub title to be claimed, that of the hub of meaningless buzz words.

[phantomfiddler]

It is a sad fact that tourists are nowadays viewed as "prey", both by the police and a large sector of the thai public, in order to extract money. In addition there are gangs of thai youths who roam the streets just looking for the slightest excuse to attack us, often at a ratio of several on one, just to satisfy their warped sense of power. Sooner or later the masses of tourists will choose to go to adjacent countries where they will be treated better, and then Thailand will REALLY be in a mess. The Golden Goose is getting annoyed

[AlQaholic]

oh dear, .........to ensure that all tourists put on life vests.........

that sentence just stinks again of blaming the tourists

nothing to do with -

over loading

no training

taking loaded boats out when severe weather warnings are in effect

perhaps when people are held responsible and severe penalties are handed out to the people running these businesses (and we all have an idea who that could be) and not just after an incident occurs.

How many more people have to die before they get it, perhaps when their very important tourist industry vanishes they will be left scratching their heads wondering what went wrong

Well you don't see many tourists in North Korea, do you? And why might that be, one wonders, reflecting over the way Thailand is going the same way....