The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, ws held to help develop relations between Phuket and the British Government, said a report by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).
Governor Sophon emphasised the significance of safeguarding tourists, particularly in mitigating road accidents involving motorcycles and ensuring water safety, said the report.
The Governor also highlighted the collaborative effort between the Phuket Provincial Office and various consular representatives in disseminating vital information and promoting cultural respect among visitors, the report continued.
Of note, the British Government does not have a consulate in Phuket.
Highlighting the positive contribution of British tourists to Phuket’s tourism industry, Governor Sophon noted that travelers from the United Kingdom ranked fourth in terms of number of visitors, and that very few British tourists were involved in crimes.
Governor Sophon reiterated Phuket provincial officials’ commitment “to nurturing a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors”, the PR Phuket report said.
With a focus on land, air and water safety, Phuket provincial officials have rolled out comprehensive measures aimed at minimising risks for tourists, the report noted.
For land transportation, stringent regulations have been implemented, including thorough inspection of driver’s license documents and providing essential information about Phuket’s challenging road conditions, the report said.
Emphasis was placed on adhering to traffic rules, particularly the mandatory use of safety helmets, it added.
With regards to water safety, lifeguards are stationed along the beaches in three shifts of eight hours each, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance and swift response to emergencies, the report said.
The Phuket News understands that the only beach where there are any night patrols is at Patong, where night patrols that include lifeguards are carried out through a project by the Patong Development Foundation, founded and headed by Preechavude ’Prab’ Keesin, son of former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin.
Red flags warn tourists where swimming is prohibited due to dangerous conditions, namely strong rip currents, the report continued, though in reality the red ‘no swimming’ flags are often ignored.
Efforts are also underway to enhance safety protocols for activities such as parasailing, with the establishment of specialised associations dedicated to upholding security principles and safety standards, the report said.
The collaborative efforts between Phuket Province and the British Embassy underscore a shared commitment to prioritizing tourist safety and fostering sustainable tourism practices. As Phuket continues to welcome visitors from around the globe, these proactive measures aim to ensure a memorable and secure experience for all, the report concluded.
Of note, while the talks focussed heavily on safety, the visit to Phuket by Amb Gooding came two days after British woman Zoe Luckett was struck down and killed by a passenger van running a red light in Kamala, an incident that lack of action by police has outraged local residents.