Ombudsman clears Phuket Fishing Port operator over pier, water sales complaint
The findings were released in a report issued after the Phuket Fishermen’s Association lodged a complaint alleging that the Phuket Fishing Port Authority, operated by the Fish Marketing Organization (FMO), had acted…
The Ombudsman on May 5, 2026 cleared the operator of Phuket Fishing Port after investigating a complaint by the Phuket Fishermen’s Association that the Fish Marketing Organization, which runs the port authority, had acted unlawfully. The findings were set out in a report that rejected allegations tied to a private pier lease and permission for fresh drinking water sales inside the port.
Complaint focused on pier use and fishing disruption
The association said the FMO let a private company use part of the port as a speedboat and tourist pier without a public hearing or consultation with fishing operators about effects on their livelihoods.
Fishermen said tourist boats and speedboats interfered with core port work, especially seafood unloading and transport. They also said the port’s limited space created congestion that made daily operations harder.
Lease found lawful, water sales allowed under regulations
The Ombudsman found the FMO had legal authority to lease part of the port to a private operator for one year. Investigators said the arrangement generated revenue, supported transport, tourism and boat maintenance, and helped ease congestion from fishing vessels.
The report said the lease was not renewed because of a separate land-use dispute, which effectively resolved that part of the complaint.
On the water issue, the Ombudsman said the port had faced inconsistent and insufficient supply. It found that allowing a private company to sell fresh water at below-market prices was appropriate and complied with fish market regulations, with no evidence of unfairness or legal violations.
Despite clearing the FMO, the Ombudsman said agencies managing public areas linked to local livelihoods must act fairly and weigh the wider impact of their decisions. The report recommended clearer operating guidelines for use of port assets affecting the fishing industry and urged the FMO to seek input from fishing operators before launching projects.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/ombudsman-clears-phuket-fishing-port-operator-100115.php
