Mr Jakkaphon, a defeated Pheu Thai parliamentary candidate in Chiang Mai, and Lt Gen Achayon landed at Phuket International Airport to be welcomed by Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam and a host of Phuket’s top-ranking law-enforcement authorities.
At a meeting held at the airport, Mr Jakkaphon said that the government’s important policy is to drive tourism.
“The Prime Minister aims to develop Thailand into a world-class tourism destination. Therefore, we need to create an impression on tourists even before they travel, starting from booking airline tickets. And we need to develop technology to support services, such as ensuring safety, so that when tourists travel here, they are impressed and want to come back again,” he said.
Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Achayon said, "We ask the police to help take care of the safety of tourists, especially the issue of taxis that attack tourists. Let’s help prevent and suppress this, including the number of accidents resulting from drowning, and we ask the Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office to give importance to tour guides. Let there be strict control
“However, if there is information about foreign tourists who have committed crimes, please request immigration to conduct an inspection. Let’s work together to prosecute in strict accordance with the law,” he added.
Region 8 Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Suraphong Thanomchit explained that any tourists caught engaged in criminal behaviour will be added to a list for deportation after they have faced legal proceedings.
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum detailed measures including increased surveillance, hotline support, and enhanced police presence at tourist sites to prevent crime.
“Phuket Provincial Police has surveyed and analysed data from 16 public markets, 15 islands, 30 cultural attractions, nine viewpoints, and established a centre to receive incident reports, which is linked to the 1155 hotline [to contact Tourist Police] to providing Chinese interpreters to support investigations,” he said.
“We are also recruiting volunteers and coordinating with partners in the operating unit network to use CCTV to control crime, and increasing patrols by officers in important tourist spots, making arrangements for traffic police to facilitate traffic at important tourist attractions and for officers to strictly arrest any persons engaged in illegal acts in order to reduce crime,” he adde.d
Following the briefing, Mr Jakkaphon and his team conducted an inspection of immigration operations at Phuket Airport to ensure readiness in personnel and technology.
“As for the issue of managing tourists who come to cause trouble, legal action will be taken, but with caution and gentleness, taking into account international relations as well,” Mr Jakkaphon said.
“Operations will be based on the principle that happiness must belong to the Thai people,” he said.
INFLUX
Separate from Mr Jakkaphon’s visit, Wirintra Paphakityotphat, head of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Region 11 branch, said that industry operators expect the number of Chinese tourists coming to Phuket to double during Chinese New Year, which starts this Saturday (Feb 10).
“The number of Chinese tourists arriving in Phuket has averaged about 5,000 a day since Jan 1. It is expected that number will increase to 10,000 a day during Chinese New Year,” she said.
“It is further expected that the number of Chinese tourists will continue to increase, as the government has opened a free visa arrangement between Thailand and China. It is believed that this will cause more Chinese tourists to travel as per the government’s goals,” she added.
Following his visit, Mr Jakkaphon reported himself that Phuket reported that number of passengers traveling to Phuket is already about 30,000 people per day, of which approximately 20,000 are foreign tourists flying from abroad, with Russian, Chinese and Indian tourists leading the way.
Mr Jakkaphong also noted:
- AI technology is used to detect passenger density in order to manage checkpoints in a timely manner in relation to passengers.
- Provincial Police and Tourist Police have set up a centre to receive tourist notifications, with interpreters and volunteers participating.
- The number of CCTV cameras has been increased to take care of safety at various tourist attractions.
- Water safety care by the Marine Police and the Marine Department are inspecting safety equipment on vessels, including life jackets, and issuing warnings about swimming, and have arranged for 24-hour reposense in the event of an emergency (on the water)
“As for road safety issues, there has been integration with all sectors in a campaign to reduce accidents that occur with tourists, by coordinating closely with various embassies,” Mr Jakkaphong said.