From 1:30am to 2:30am Saturday (Oct 25), a special operation was carried out under the direction of Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chukaew, with Pol Lt Col Ratchapas Buakaew, Pol Lt Col Piya Yongpradem and Pol Lt Thanakorn Chupong leading teams supported by motorcycle patrol units.
A checkpoint was established at the exit of Thepsrisin Bridge on the Wichit border with Phuket Town. Officers searched 50 people, 10 cars and 30 motorcycles. Twenty at-risk youths were stopped and checked, and 10 motorcycles were seized for inspection.
A second operation at the Saphan Hin central stage targeted illegal motorcycles and modified vehicles. Thirty people were checked, along with 10 motorcycles and two cars. Fifteen youths were identified, and six more motorcycles were seized.
Earlier, at 7pm on Oct 24, Pol Lt Col Ratchapas Buakaew, together with police cadet trainees, inspected fireworks stalls at Saphan Hin as part of the ongoing Vegetarian Festival crime suppression campaign.
Sixteen individuals were found selling fireworks, firecrackers and sparklers without authorisation near at the tip of Saphan Hin Cape. All were taken to Phuket City Police Station for legal action.
Pol Col Chatree confirmed that Phuket City Police will continue coordinated patrols and inspections throughout the festival period to maintain public safety and prevent dangerous or disruptive activities.