Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung presided over a meeting held at Phuket International Airport in which it was decided that a safety zone around the runway would be implemented in due course – an area that has come to be known as “unseen Phuket.”
The attraction was brought to the attention of authorities as its popularity has increased significantly of late.
At the meeting, Deputy Director of Phuket International Airport, Wichit Kaewsaithiam, referred to requirements of The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in applying strict safety rules around airports.
Mr Wichit said, “Whilst we want to maintain tourism revenue in the area, it is important that we ensure the safety of the planes as well as visitors to the beach.”
“People will be able to take photos from the beach further away from the runway. This way people can enjoy the beach without compromising safety.”
“The relevant departments will work together to establish the exact safety zone soon,” Mr Wichit added.
The meeting also addressed concerns about people flying drones near the airport as well as shining laser pointers at planes.
“Such acts threaten the safety of planes and we call on locals, business owners and tourists not to fly drones or shine laser pointers in the sky within nine kilometres of the airport,” Mr Wichit stressed.
“Anyone caught doing so faces punishments under the Air Navigation Act which carries a maximum sentence of death,” he warned.
Jor12 | 09 March 2019 - 14:24:32