The trial run was originally planned for Nov 15-30. However, the Thai Meteorological Department reported that ongoing heavy rain and strong waves in the Andaman Sea pose safety risks for passengers and operators.
“To ensure safety and proper navigation standards, the trial period has been moved to Dec 15-30, when weather and sea conditions are expected to improve,” Phuket Governor Saransak confirmed at a meeting held earlier this week.
The initial pier at Sirinath National Park has been fully designed and is now awaiting engineering certification and final approval from the Department of National Parks to use the temporary trial area, Governor Saransak said.
A request has also been submitted to the central government to permit passenger vessels to operate in the zone, he added.
At Patong Beach, land-use issues for the terminal pier have been cleared, although relevant agencies have been instructed to enforce strict security measures.
The pier in Kamala, previously deemed unready, has undergone additional surveys, Governor Saransak noted.
Patong Municipality has proposed a joint inspection with operators and local authorities to assess route suitability and safety.
Private operators expressed full support for the postponement, saying the December launch aligns with the high tourist season, creating more interest and safer sea conditions after the monsoon, Governor Saransak explained.
“They highlighted that the service will not only help relieve severe traffic, especially in Patong and along airport routes, but also offer a unique travel experience, including sea-view journeys and a potential new tourism landmark,” he said.
“The Boat Taxi will offer an alternative travel option aimed at easing road congestion, particularly in key tourist zones such as Patong and the airport access roads,” he added.
The decision was concluded on Thursday (Nov 6) during a Provincial Hall meeting on ‘Connecting Transportation Networks and Water Transport to Address Traffic Problems’, chaired by Governor Saransak. The meeting was joined by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, and relevant government agencies, the private sectors, and local administrations.
The meeting also agreed to collaborate with academic and data agencies, including Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and Al-Huda International Welfare Foundation (HUDA), to conduct research and compile study reports that could serve as a model for future development.
“The Boat Taxi project must deliver value for money, safety and sustainability, ensuring it develops into a standardised water-transport network and long-term solution to Phuket’s growing traffic problem,” Governor Saransak said.
Park entry fees for operators and foreign tourists will also be reviewed, he noted.