Phuket Authorities Seize 23 Jet Skis and Fine Illegal Operators Up to 10,000 Baht

Phuket authorities seized 23 jet skis and fined operators up to 10,000 baht each during a crackdown on illegal marine-tourism operations, the Phuket Regional Marine Office said.

Officials found multiple operators using jet skis without the required licenses at about 8 a.m. yesterday. The violations fell under Section 9 of the Thai Navigation in Thai Waters Act, according to the office.

All offenders received the maximum legal fine of 10,000 baht per case. The authorities also seized the 23 vessels involved in the enforcement operation.

The crackdown followed directives from Deputy Transport Minister Sornphet Boonyamanee, who recently visited Phuket and urged officials to strengthen oversight of maritime tourism services.

Authorities said strict enforcement was needed to protect tourists, ensure fair competition and restore confidence in Phuket’s marine tourism industry.