Two tourists injured in Phuket jet-ski crash

PHUKET: Two Chinese tourists were rushed to hospital after crashing their rented jet-skis into each other in Patong, confirmed the president of the Phuket Jet-Ski Club.

Jet-ski operators rushed out to Zhao Peuie, 25, and Su Han, 26, after witnessing the collision about 400 meters off of Patong Beach.

“We pulled them onto our jet-skis and took them to shore. They were then transported to Patong Hospital,” Phuket Jet-Ski Club President Nucha Petchvimol told the Phuket Gazette.

Each tourist broke a leg in the incident.

“The pair rented the jet-skis from us. And though they were inexperienced, they refused to allow one of our team members to join them on the jet-skis,” said Mr Nucha. “We made sure that they filled out all of the paperwork, which was available in Chinese. Additionally, the jet-skis were insured, so we did everything required of us by the Phuket Marine Office and the Provincial Government.”

Mr Nucha pointed out that the Phuket Marine Office does not require the jet-ski operators to demand proof of a captain’s licence. However, by law, jet-ski operators are required to have a Thai captain’s licence.

“The Phuket Marine Office has given us permission to offer this entertainment service to tourists and we do so based on the rules and regulations we are asked to adhere to,” Mr Nucha said.

— Winai Sarot