In Mr Viroon’s opinion, the current efforts of lifeguards to save tourists from drowning are merely addressing the problem’s symptoms rather than its root cause.
"We need the relevant authorities, such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to actively promote the dangers of ignoring red flag warnings during the monsoon season,” Mr Viroon told The Phuket News’ Thai-language sister newspaper Khao Phuket.
Mr Wirun proposed a proactive approach to tourism safety, suggesting that information about the dangers should be communicated as soon as tourists arrive at the airport.
Such an information campaign should then be reinforced at accommodations and hotels to ensure that tourists are fully aware of the hazards during the monsoon season.
"We must consider the reality of our beaches. In a one-kilometre stretch, how many lifeguards do we have compared to the number of tourists? Is it enough to ensure their safety?" Mr Viroon questioned.
He highlighted a concerning statistic that 70-80% of tourists ignore the red flag warnings and the lifeguards’ advice. "Tourists come here wanting to swim, and it’s challenging to stop them. On days when the weather permits, we do allow swimming," he added.
Mr Viroon stressed that addressing the problem on a case-by-case basis is not sufficient. He called for government investment to reduce preventable losses rather than allocating funds to less effective areas.
By prioritising preventive measures and safety awareness, Phuket can better protect its visitors and minimise the risks associated with swimming during the monsoon season, Mr Viroon said.
Mr Viroon’s call for better awareness among tourists of Phuket’s dangerous surf follows five people drowning at Phuket beaches since June 9, when the southwest monsoon began its assault on Phuket’s west coast, creating dangerous strong surf and deadly strong rip currents.