Phuket torpedoes floating party boat launch plans

Phuket officials sank plans to launch a floating  party boat, saying it wasn’t up to code and lacked permission to operate.

Originally scheduled to open later this month, the Yona Beach Club was told to suspend operations after local officials raised concerns about its permits and potential public nuisance and environmental damage. 

Nachapong Pranit, director of Phuket Regional Harbor Office, said that the boat cannot run until it acquires a license to operate as a passenger boat with food and beverage services. 

The ship only has a passenger license, Narong said, adding that its operators were previously fined THB10,000 for running with expired permits.

Coconuts has reached out to the boat’s owners for comment.

The boat is registered as No. 645000415. It weighs 579 tons and can accommodate up to 500 people. It was registered in Trang province as a…