The exercise aimed to strengthen crisis management capabilities and reassure both tourism operators and visitors of the province’s commitment to safety, said an official report of the event.
Rear Admiral Phuchong Rodnikorn, Deputy Director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center Region 3 (Thai MECC 3), presided over the event, held at the Bhukitta Boutique Hotel in Phuket Town.
The drill, conducted as a Table Top Exercise (TTX), involved government agencies, emergency responders and private sector representatives, all working together under the ‘Phuket Province Marine Disaster Relief Plan’.
“This rehearsal is crucial in ensuring effective coordination among agencies during marine emergencies,” R/Adm Phuchong said. “It enhances Phuket’s ability to assist victims efficiently and strengthens confidence in the province as a safe destination.”
A key highlight of the exercise was the simulation of an explosion aboard the ‘Golden Whisper’, a cruise ship traveling from Singapore to Phuket’s deep-sea port.
The scenario involved a gas leak that ignited, causing a severe fire onboard. The vessel carried 649 people, including 281 crew members and 361 tourists.
Crew members responded by directing passengers to wear life jackets, forming firefighting teams, and transmitting a distress signal via VHF radio to the Phuket Marine Traffic and Safety Control Center.
Upon receiving the emergency call, Thai MECC 3 and other relevant agencies mobilised search and rescue teams. Meanwhile, the Phuket governor established a provincial incident command center to oversee crisis management and coordinate assistance efforts.
Lt Cdr Kritsana Kluemmath, Deputy Director of the Thai MECC operations in Phuket, emphasised the exercise’s importance, noting that it involved 62 agencies and over 150 personnel.
The exercise integrated operational plans under national and provincial disaster response laws to ensure efficient emergency response, he said.
By conducting this comprehensive drill, Phuket not only refined its disaster response strategies but also demonstrated its readiness to protect residents and visitors, reinforcing the province’s reputation as a leading tourism destination committed to safety and security, he added.