The move follows Phuket City Deputy Mayor Kawee Tansuktanon raising the issue at a meeting earlier this week which he called in response to a slew of complaints by local residents.
Areas identified as where gangs of youths gather to take drugs and race motorbikes included the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park (Dragon Park) and King Rama IX Park (Suan Luang), and at Saphan Hin Park, the Indoor Stadium nearby and along Soi Bang Yai, which runs beside Bang Yai Canal at Saphan Hin.
“People and tourists are disturbed by the loud noise and the threat of security in life and property, which affects our image of tourism. Relevant agencies need to work together to solve this problem,” the meeting was told.
In response, Phuket City Police Deputy Superintendent Lt Col Chao Pomna and Phuket City Police Traffic Inspector Lt Col Watchara Puakjan explained that police and plainclothes officers will set up checkpoints from 8pm to midnight and conduct patrols in the risk areas.
Further, CCTV cameras will be installed and better lighting installed in the risk areas, and landscaping will be carried out to improve visibility, the meeting noted.
Motorcycle repair shops will be raided to crack down on stolen motorbike parts being sold and be inspected to ensure that the repair shops are not selling equipment for illegal modifications.
The Phuket Land Transport Office will also carry out inspections to make sure exhaust mufflers being used and sold meet government standards.
A Line group will be created so that relevant agencies can join and cooperate easily.
A report by Phuket City Municipality noted that all offenders will be recorded, but did not confirm the extent that the law will be enacted against youths.
– Jirarat Rakjamroon