Thailand pledges to fix marine tourism safety gaps
Thailand has formulated a plan to reorganise regulations for marine tourism and port operations following the deadly boat accident earlier this month.
Following the death of dozens of Chinese tourists, THB30 million in compensation has already been paid to families.
It will start with stricter monitoring of the registration process for tourist boats and will look closely at the shareholding structure of tour companies with foreign owned equity or foreign directorships required to be disclosed clearly.
It has already started looking closer at tourism companies for those circumnavigating foreign ownership laws by using a Thai national as nominee.
"The safety of marine tourism must be a priority," said minister of tourism and sports, Weerasak Kowsurat.
The ministry is requiring tourist attractions and national parks to display clear information about the potential risks such as at caves, waterfalls and marine attractions.
Certification for boat captains will also be beefed up and marine safety procedures including ensuring full insurance cover compliance may be restructured.
The island of Phuket is already starting to feel the pinch with thousands of cancellations already reported from the China market.
The tourism ministry plans to conduct promotional campaigns with Chinese media to help restore tourism confidence.
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