Thai parasailing staff and tourist fall into Phuket sea after rope snaps

A tourist and a parasailing assistant fell into the sea off Phuket on Monday, April 20, after a rope snapped during takeoff, according to video shared by a witness. The incident, which occurred at relatively low altitude, resulted in no injuries, but has reignited concerns about parasailing safety standards in Phuket.

Online Reaction Highlights Safety Concerns

Footage of the accident, posted to TikTok by user @burcuus, drew widespread criticism from viewers who questioned the safety practices of local operators. Multiple commenters called for equipment checks and temporary suspension of parasailing services until safety could be assured.

Several users cited the high cost of parasailing, arguing that operators should invest in new equipment. Others referenced similar incidents in the past and expressed relief at avoiding the activity themselves.

Previous Incidents and Enforcement Efforts

This latest incident follows a series of parasailing accidents in Phuket. In January last year, a staff member died after falling from a height equivalent to a 15-storey building while assisting a customer off Karon Beach, prompting a police crackdown on unsafe operators.

Additional cases include a foreign man injured in April last year after falling onto a jet ski while parasailing off Patong Beach, and a staff member jumping into the sea to help a tourist after a speedboat capsized off Kata Beach in October. Despite enforcement efforts, reports of safety lapses have continued.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/2-fell-into-sea-in-parasailing-accident-off-kamala-beach-in-phuket