Patong to host jet-ski competition
PHUKET: The island’s first jet-ski racing competition will be held in Patong Bay on December 10 and 11, Vice-Governor Niran Kalayanamit announced today.
After returning from a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop last Thursday, V/Gov Niran said that with a prize purse of US$10,000 (approximately 410,000 baht), the tourney for the HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Trophy is expected to attract some 500 competitors from 40 countries.
The event is expected to cost about 22.6 million baht to stage, and the Thai Jet Sports Boating Association, one of the organizers, has confirmed that Thai star racers Chaowalit Kuajaroon, Pro Sport 800 Superstock 2004 world champion, and the Thailand Pro AM Runabout 0-1200 Open champion 2005, and Choke-Uthit Molee, Pro Runabout 800 Superstock 2004 world champion, will take part.
Despite the go-ahead b eing given for the event, V/Gov Niran said that the provincial government’s policy to rid the island of all jet-skis by March 1, 2011 would remain in force.
“However, the organizers have explained that this sporting event will be run using international-standard [jet-ski racing] safety rules. Riders must wear helmets and protective gear, and jet-skis do not have propellers,” he said.
“There will be no problems staging the event in Patong. The course will be [inside an area] only 250 meters [long] by 200m [wide]. This will help to promote Phuket province around the world,” V/Gov Niran said.
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18:00 local time (GMT +7)