Phuket Governor, Wichai Praisa-Ngob, has approved plans to shut down the Phuket Port Control Centre (PPCC) in Chalong as it could “no longer accommodate the 1200 yachts arriving in Phuket each year.”

The PPCC was set up in 1998 as a one-stop shop for visiting yachtsmen and fishermen to complete all immigration and custom procedures in one place. Over the years, two other committees were set up to provide assistance to control, co-ordinate and register the numerous yachts and fishing boats. But these were found to be unable to work together or follow procedures.

Matters concerning any arrivals at ports in Phuket will now be the responsibility of
the Harbour Department and will be sent to Immigration, the Marine Department, and Phuket Customs Office for the necessary procedures.

The OrBorJor is currently looking into ways of enabling seafaring travellers to register online, ultimately making the process much faster and easier for all concerned.

The OrBorJor took over control of tourist security and administration of the boats and yachts on 30 December 2009.