Foreign Jet Ski Riders Alarm Passengers After Cutting Across Boat Near Phuket Pier

Four foreign tourists have drawn criticism after riding jet skis dangerously close to a large passenger boat near Ao Por Pier in Phuket, forcing the vessel to slow down and leaving people on board alarmed.

The incident happened on September 3 in the sea between Ao Por Pier and Koh Naka Yai at around 11am. A video showing the incident was later shared widely on Thai social media.

The footage shows four jet skis travelling at high speed and approaching the passenger boat. The riders reportedly moved repeatedly from side to side in front of the larger vessel, leaving its crew with little choice but to proceed cautiously.

Crew members shouted warnings at the jet ski riders, asking them to slow down, keep a safe distance and avoid causing an accident. However, the riders reportedly continued their manoeuvres, with water splashing onto the passenger boat and passengers becoming frightened.

The jet ski riders were reported to be foreigners, although their nationalities had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

No collision or injuries were reported. Nevertheless, the incident has renewed concerns about safety on Thailand’s busy waterways and the risks created by reckless riding near passenger vessels.

There had been no reports at the time of publication that local police or government authorities had identified the jet ski riders, launched an investigation or announced what legal consequences they could face.

The incident comes amid wider concerns about marine safety in Thailand. One of the country’s more serious recent boat accidents occurred in January, when a speedboat collided with a fishing vessel between Koh Khiao and Koh Phi Phi in Krabi Province. A 17-year-old Russian woman was killed and 20 other people were injured.