The request is to be made to the Cabinet at the mobile meetings for Southern Thailand to be held in Ranong and Chumphon on Monday and Tuesday (Aug 20-21). (See story here.)
Governor Norraphat Plodthong revealed the news at a meeting in Phuket yesterday (Aug 17), noted the NNT in a report in Thai. (See story here.)
The aim is to enhance security measures and the services provided to the public, and to tourists, to enhance the image of tourism, Gov Norraphat said.
In announcing the news, Governor Norraphat noted nine projects for improving marine safety in Phuket, of which four are already complete or still underway.
A sum of B5.9mn had already been allocated from the 2017 fiscal year budget to install CCTV cameras at Chalong Pier with a further B29.288mn also drawn from the same budget to install CCTV cameras at 32 points as well as to provide for the construction of bathroom and shower facilities, a prayer room, upgrading the lighting system and upgrading the pavement and drainage along the pier, Gov Norraphat explained.
Those funds spent followed B120,000 drawn from the 2016 fiscal budget to carry out renovations at the pier and the installation of a seating area for tourists.
It also followed the Chinese Consulate office in Phuket handing over B200,000 to pay for two CCTV cameras at the end of last year, Gov Norraphat added. (See story here.)
Yet Governor Norraphat is to request specifically B62,423,300 baht to expand and upgrade the docking facilities at Chalong Pier covering a space of not less than 3,072 square meters and a further B5mn for a full-colour LCD outdoor screen to be installed at the pier.
A further B40mn is to be requested for a firefighting boat, B326,000 to improve the radio communications systems at the pier and B776,700 to have AED defibrillators available at six major tourist pier in Phuket.
‘If the Cabinet approves the request, the funds will be used to improve marine tourism safety in Phuket,” Governor Norraphat said.
“The additional budget support from the Cabinet will make it possible for Phuket’s marine safety authorities to have right tools for issuing alerts, carrying out rescues and the database system will be complete,” he said.
“The ‘Phuket Model’ is ready to accommodate tourists. It has a world-class maritime security system that is recognized globally. This will create confidence for the people and tourists to create a good image for Phuket,” he said.