Vice Governor Adul Chuthong on Wednesday (Apr 8) led a multi-agency committee to examine waterways where permission has been sought to construct structures extending into public marine areas.
The inspections, carried out with officials from the Phuket Marine Office and other relevant agencies, focused on ensuring that all proposals comply with maritime laws and regulations governing encroachment on public waterways.
In Moo 6, Thepkrasattri, the committee reviewed a proposal by the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office to build a pier for traditional fishing boats of up to 20 gross tonnes. The project is intended to support local fishing livelihoods.
In Pa Khlok, three separate locations were assessed following a request by Pa Khlok Municipality to install floating piers to boost community-based tourism.
The proposed sites – Ban Tha Sak (Moo 4), Ban Koh Naka (Moo 5) and Ban Tha Hla (Moo 2) – have all been identified as having strong potential for marine tourism development.
A fourth inspection in Thalang was complemented by a site visit in Ratsada, where Rung Siam Boatyard Co Ltd has applied to construct a pier at Khlong Tha Jeen capable of accommodating vessels of up to 20 gross tonnes. The proposed site is adjacent to land managed by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO).
Mr Adul said all applications would be subject to careful scrutiny, with officials weighing engineering feasibility, maritime safety and environmental impact before granting any approvals.
He stressed that any development must ensure public waterways are used to deliver maximum benefit to local communities while preserving ecological balance over the long term.
No timeline for approvals has yet been confirmed.