The aim of the project is to improve marine safety by exchanging new life vests supplied by the government for thousands of battered old life vests being used by tour companies. Yesterday 1,600 life vests were swapped.
The project covers Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi and is part of the “Returning Happiness to Thailand” campaign launched by PM Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha.
The Minister of Tourism & Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, explained at the launch at Royal Phuket Marina, “Phuket is one of the main places in Thailand for marine tourism, so I am glad to see that local marine tourism companies are interested in joining this event.”
Minister of Transport ACM Prajin Janthong said that the project will help promote trust among tourists in Thai marine tourism.
ACM Prajin said, “This is an activity that public and private sectors can do together. Added to the new rules for passengers on tour boats, the life vest exchange project can help to ensure safety in marine tourism in these three provinces.”
The intention is to hold future exchange sessions until every tour company has all new life vests.