Thailand News - Patong to host jet-ski competition

aussie dollar · #1 07-09-2005, 03:39

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.

To see picture/s related to this story, please go to http://www.phuketgazette.net/news/in...splay=1Brought to you by:
The Phuket Gazette
18:00 local time (GMT +7)

Chiggerz · #2 07-09-2005, 08:43

I thought the major was trying to discourage the use of jet skis in patong... hosting a jet ski competition is not exactly the best way to promote this stance!!

faultytowers · #3 07-09-2005, 17:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiggerz

I thought the major was trying to discourage the use of jet skis in patong... hosting a jet ski competition is not exactly the best way to promote this stance!!

If it is in a "designated area", I can't see a problem. Most injuries from jet ski happen when they go into areas where people are swimming. The majority of these injuries are to the head of the swimmer, and usually are fatal.

Tyfon · #4 07-09-2005, 18:02

Imagine my disappointment to find that this thread wasn't about a competition to find which jet-ski will burn quickest...

Mustang · #5 07-09-2005, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyfon

Imagine my disappointment to find that this thread wasn't about a competition to find which jet-ski will burn quickest...

555555555555 My sediments exactly.When I took my PADI course in Pattaya we were told NOT to use diver down markers because it just attracts the jet skis!!As someone who enjoys fishing on a quiet lake theres nothing worse than some bozo driving in circles 30 feet away actually thinking that onlookers are impressed.
Some people love them,but safety and consideration of others seems to take a back seat to showing off sometimes.

dawsey · #6 08-09-2005, 02:34

Responsibly used they can be great fun.
But I understand anyone not liking them. They are too noisy,and the ones in Patong are driven too close to the shore.
There is no need to ban them completely from Phuket, just designate a suitable beach that people will know is for jet skis only.Then regulate them,force users to wear all the safety equipment, only hire them to riders 18+ and instill the safe way to operate them. This way everyone could be happy.