The drill, held at the airport’s VIP car park, simulated the detection of suspicious or prohibited objects under the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and Airport Contingency Plan (ACP) for fiscal 2025.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat presided over the opening ceremony, joined by Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul and Phetthai Chantima, Assistant Managing Director for Airport and Aviation Standards. Executives, staff, airlines, security agencies, and local rescue teams also took part.
The exercise was designed to improve coordination between agencies and ensure each unit fully understood its role and responsibilities, explained an official report of the exercise issued by Airports of Thailand Phuket branch (AoT Phuket). It followed Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) Regulation No. 37 on airport standards and the National Civil Aviation Safety Plan, the report added.
Airport GM Mr Monchai said the exercise was a joint effort with Phuket security agencies including Provincial Police Region 8.
“The drill was carried out successfully and achieved its objectives, confirming Phuket Airport’s readiness to efficiently ensure the safety of passengers and airport users,” he said.
Not mentioned in the report, but evidenced by photos, was the role of the EOD squad in rehearsing the removal of an explosive device.
The EOD, often just called the ‘bomb squad’, was called into real action only three months ago, when an explosive device was detonated in a controlled explosion in the airport carpark.
Of note, any photos of the exercise deemed sensitive were clearly branded to ensure they were not used to present fake news online.