Phuket Bans Small Boats from Entering Open Sea Until October 28

The Phuket office of Thailand’s Marine Department has issued a warning to boat operators amid unfavourable weather conditions. Vessels measuring less than seven metres are prohibited from leaving coastal waters and entering the open sea until October 28, inclusive.

The order was published on October 26 and also calls on captains and operators to exercise heightened caution, avoid areas affected by thunderstorms and refrain from travelling far from shore whenever possible.

Small vessels operating in Phuket’s waters are subject to additional precautions. Operators are advised to remain close to the coast, while boats under seven metres in length are strictly prohibited from entering the open sea during the restriction period.

Safety checks required before departure

Captains must ensure that their vessels and engines are in good working condition. They are also required to check the availability and readiness of life jackets, firefighting equipment, radio communications and other emergency gear.

Before each trip, operators should assess weather conditions along the entire planned route, monitor warnings issued by Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) and comply with instructions from Marine Department officials.

Heavy rain and high waves forecast

The restrictions follow a weather forecast issued by the TMD for October 26–28. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue in southern Thailand.

Wave heights in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand may exceed two metres in areas affected by thunderstorms, posing additional risks to vessels operating at sea.

Boat operators are urged to follow official weather updates and comply with the restrictions throughout the designated period.