The sentiment was echoed by officials of all levels of Phuket government during a meeting yesterday (Jan 14) at Provincial Hall, which was set for lawmakers to follow-up on policy concerning safety issues at tourist operations across the island. Phuket Vice Governor Dr Prajiad Aksornthammakul presided over the meeting, which included discussion of plans to clean-up the local tourism industry, especially animal shows, in a way that would help promote a positive and safe image of the island.
Officials say that about 45 tourism businesses operate illegally out of the roughly 80 man-made adventure businesses in Phuket – which include elephant farms/trekking, ATV attractions, animal shows, shooting ranges, go-kart racing and other adventure parks – that still need to be inspected.
V/G Prajiad told The Phuket News that more than 10 of those business operators include animals in their shows and that they will get a visit from officials from the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office to ensure that they follow international safety standards.
After January, officials will inspect all businesses to check if they follow the law. Penalties for all tour businesses that fail to register will be jail time for up to two years or a fine of B500,000, said Santi Pawai , Director of Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phuket Office.
Meanwhile, tourism businesses that include animals will be fined up to B200,000 if they fail to obtain the proper permits, said Phuket City Deputy Superintendent, Lt Col Saman Chainarong.
The announcements come just days after a Chinese tourist was bit on the nose by a reticulated python during what was later revealed to be an illegal "snake show" last Saturday (Jan 9). The tourist – who received stitches on her nose – was compensated B135,000 before heading back to her home country days later. Local officials have since shut down the "snake show" on Soi Palai in Chalong.
V/G Prajiad explained, "Our goal is to provide security to all because it is the heart and soul of tourism. The island is still a tourist destination and these attractions need to ensure safety standards.
"Business operators across the island were invited to join the meeting [yesterday] and they have been informed to follow the tourism laws and regulations closely, from registration to obtaining other permits related to their business venue, and all must be done within this month," he said.
In addition, officials want to make sure that guided tour companies are prohibited from selling options to tourists outside of programmes advertised in their own brochures.
"If tourists are injured while on tour with any company, that company will be held responsible for all medical expenses and compensation to the tourist," said Mr Pawai.
"Over 80 man-made adventure businesses on the island and 45 of them still operate illegally. I encourage all businesses to register before January ends and be legal as a guarantee to tourists around the world that Phuket has good quality tourism industry that is up to international standards," Mr Pawai added.