A parasailing accident off Kamala Beach in Phuket has gone viral after a video showed a tourist and a staff member falling into the sea when a tow cable suddenly snapped mid-air.
The incident occurred on 20 April 2026, at Kamala Beach in Kathu district, Phuket, when a speedboat was towing a parasail carrying a foreign tourist and an operator supervising the activity.
In the footage widely shared on social media, the parasail initially lifts smoothly into the air before the cable abruptly breaks. Both the tourist and the staff member then fall into the sea, shocking bystanders at the scene.
Online posts accompanying the clip described it as a serious safety incident, prompting widespread discussion over safety standards in water-based tourism activities in Thailand. Many social media users questioned equipment maintenance and operational safety, with comments ranging from concerns over worn-out cables to calls for stricter inspections of adventure tourism operators.
The incident has fuelled calls for relevant authorities to urgently review safety regulations to restore tourist confidence and prevent similar accidents.
On 22 April at 10:00, Kamala Police, along with marine police, the Phuket Marine Office and local boat operators, inspected parasailing operators in the Kamala area.
Authorities checked business licences, crew documentation, and conducted drug tests on staff. No illegal substances or initial violations were found.
Preliminary findings suggest the accident was caused when the tow rope came into contact with the boat’s propeller, resulting in damage and the cable snapping mid-air.
Authorities later held a joint meeting with relevant agencies to discuss preventive measures and improve safety standards. The Phuket Marine Office has been tasked with further investigation into whether any legal violations occurred among crew members.
If wrongdoing is found, authorities said they will proceed with legal complaints against the operator and involved staff.
