Phuket jet-ski crackdown finds 23 unlicensed operators, each fined B10,000
Marine inspectors and Marine Police found 23 jet-ski operators using vessels without the required licence around Koh Siray on July 15. Each was fined B10,000, the maximum penalty under Section 9 of the Thai Maritime Navigation Act.
Phuket marine inspectors and Marine Police found 23 jet-ski operators using vessels without the required licence during land and sea inspections around Koh Siray on July 15. Each offender was issued the maximum fine of B10,000 under Section 9 of the Thai Maritime Navigation Act.
The operation was ordered by Phuket Marine Office Director Adul Ralukmoon. It was not reported whether any jet-skis were seized.
According to a local official report, the raids followed instructions from Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Bunyamanee, a Bhumjaithai MP from Songkhla, during his visit to Phuket late last month. Sanphet inspected jet-ski operations, taxi services and Chalong Pier, and pledged to strengthen safety standards and modernise the island’s transport network to support tourism.
Adul said the Phuket Marine Office would continue joint operations with other agencies to enforce maritime laws and create a level playing field for compliant operators.
The results were also reported to the Phuket Provincial Committee for Consideration of Encroachments on Waterways during its second meeting of 2026, chaired by Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae at Phuket Provincial Hall on July 15. The committee considered 13 applications involving structures encroaching on waterways, including proposed piers and other waterfront developments by government agencies, municipalities and private developers. Applications will be assessed for compliance with navigation laws, environmental protections, land-use regulations and public benefit.
The latest campaign follows similar enforcement operations in recent years. In February, the Phuket Marine Office announced an inspection campaign targeting illegal jet-ski operators, but drew criticism after publicly disclosing the locations and timing before the inspections took place. A separate operation in late 2024 generated more than B720,000 in fines in less than a month.
Under Thai law, operating a jet-ski without the required Helmsman Class II licence carries a penalty of up to B10,000 or six months’ imprisonment. Marine Police have previously said tourists renting jet-skis are exempt from the licensing requirement, while private owners operating their own jet-skis without the correct licence can be fined.
