Phuket —
Authorities in Phuket have ordered a parasailing operator at Kamala Beach to suspend services after a tow rope snapped mid‑air, forcing a tourist and parasail controller to plunge into the sea.
The Phuket Regional Marine Office told the Phuket Express that the accident occurred on April 20th, 2026, just as the parasail chute began lifting from the shoreline. The rope suddenly broke, sending both the tourist and the operator into the water. Video footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread concern about safety standards in parasailing operations.
Following the viral reports, the Phuket Regional Marine Office, together with Tourist Police and Marine Police, launched an urgent investigation. A special task force was dispatched to inspect the boat and equipment involved.
Officials confirmed that the operator has been ordered to halt services until a full safety inspection is completed.
Authorities outlined several steps to strengthen oversight:
- Bi‑monthly inspections of parasailing boats and equipment.
- Collaboration with government agencies, private sector representatives, and equipment manufacturers to ensure proper safety checks.
- Integration of safety protocols across all operators, with clear public communication on safe parasailing practices.
