Phuket to boost safety initiatives for high season

Tourists relax on a beach in Phuket. (File photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)
Tourists relax on a shore in Phuket. ( File photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran )

According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Phuket must prioritize visitor security for the future great time.

In order to prepare for the upcoming holiday large season from September to February, Mr. Srettha addressed the meeting with tourism-related organizations in Phuket on Sunday.

Representatives from the Royal Thai Police, Provincial Police Region 8, Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Bureau, Marine Police, Royal Thai Navy, Phuket Provincial Governor, and Airports of Thailand ( AoT ) attended the meeting.

According to a cause, the top stressed that all relevant agencies, mainly police officers, may be willing to offer services to tourists and handle possible crimes, whether committed by or against tourists.

Phuket’s tourism population has already risen substantially despite never yet experiencing the peak season. According to the cause, Phuket Airport handled 20 to 30 flights per day in one month alone, according to AoT information.

During the high season, the aircraft is expected to allowed 14, 000-15, 000 visitors regularly, totalling around 600, 000 tourists per month– twice the amount compared to last year, the source said.

The AoT was also reportedly given the directive to expedite baggage handling to avoid lengthy wait times.

He emphasized the value of the automated document verification system, which will lessen immigration officers ‘ workload and prevent travelers from waiting more than 30 minutes at immigration during busy times.

Provincial Police Region 8 reported on their preparations to facilitate tourism and prevent crimes, including plans to work closely with consulates in Phuket, such as Russia, China, India, Australia, the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries.

Additionally, they will add more foreign volunteers who can help tourists with phone calls and other assistance.

According to the source, police will also rig the law in order to stop crime and protect tourists, especially with the government’s decision to extend the hours of operation for entertainment venues to 4am, which has received positive feedback from tourists. In the event of an accident at sea, the prime minister also gave the navy advice to help tourists.