Patong Police Station has announced a new measure to prevent drunk driving in a series of posts on its official Facebook page. The new policy was revealed in a publication on Tuesday (Nov 21) and then confirmed in two publications on Saturday (Nov 25).
Facebook posts included either photos or videos of Patong Police officers helping foreign tourists get a taxi or giving them a ride in a police vehicle.
- Patong Police Station reiterated four key aspects of the new policy to counter drunk driving:
- Tourists who cannot drive to their places of accommodation can park their vehicles at Bangla Police Box on Thaweewong Rd.
- If tourists would like to use a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or a motorcycle taxi, Patong Police officers are ready to assist in getting such a service.
- Alternatively (upon tourists’ desire), Patong Police officers can take party-goers to their hotels in a police vehicle.
- Patong Police officers are happy to help tourists, take care of their safety, and prevent undesired incidents in the area of Bangla Rd.
Extension of legal nightlife hours
Drunk driving and general safety issues have always been among the primary concerns regarding the extension of entertainment venues’ legal opening hours until 4am.
Having agreed to support the extension in dedicated entertainment zones, the Ministry of Public Health stated in mid-November that it would suggest nightspots wanting to open longer hours conduct an alcohol breathalyzer test on their customers before they leave and find them transport services if needed.
The private sector, particularly the entertainment business, vowed to take additional measures to provide safety and security to avoid all sorts of incidents leading to injuries, damage to property, and image losses.
Patong’s plan to become a major nightlife hub with six dedicated 4 am zones received a severe setback after a street brawl and shooting on Bangla Rd in the early hours of last Sunday (Nov 19).
As confirmed by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, the incident started with eight men attacking a street tout who had a gun with him and opened fire in return.
The incident occurred in a small side-street known as Soi Lao, located just dozens of meters from several entertainment venues and approximately 160 meters from Bangla Police Box. Soi Lao was confirmed as the location by Weerawit Krueasombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA).
Police were called to the scene just after 2 am, precisely at the end of the current legal hours of operation for nightclubs, bars, pubs, and other nightlife venues.
According to initial reports, several people were injured, including those who did not participate in the conflict. Maj Gen Sinlert did not elabourate on this matter in his statement.