Pol Maj Gen Niphon Rattanasiri Saengchot, Deputy Commander of Region 8 Police, presided over the official launch of the campaign, joined by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum.
Also present were Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham and Thiwat Sidokbuab, Deputy President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO).
The united assembly is to focus on maintaining safety and security, and to build confidence in tourism, throughout the campaign, said an official report of the ceremony.
As such, law-enforcement authorities are to target crime prevention by groups “that may take advantage of the opportunity to cause harm in the area”.
The officers and personnel present for the assembly, and joining the campaign, were from various units, including Region 8 Police, Tourist Police, Phuket Immigration, Phuket Airport Immigration, Marine Police, military personnel and administrative officials, the report noted.
In accordance with the Cabinet resolutions, Songkran activities are scheduled to take place from Apr 1-21. The key areas for Songrkran activities for the extended celebrations are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chonburi and Phuket, the report added.
As a ‘first wave’ of boosting safety and confidence in travelling during the holidays, police officers have been deployed to eradicate crime from Apr 1-10 with the goal of making important arrests in general crimes as well as technology crimes and outstanding warrants, the report noted.
Coinciding with the campaign launch yesterday, Region 8 Police issued a notice calling for people to enjoy the Songkran holidays safely, while abiding by the law.
The notice, titled ‘Splashing water, Splashing happiness’, listed the following precautions:
- Do not abandon children/elderly people. home alone
- Avoid withdrawing money in secluded places
- Don’t drink and drive
- Don’t drive while tired
- Wear your seat belt
- Be careful of valuables
- Be careful of being drugged so you can be robbed
- Do not use a mobile phone while driving
- Wear a safety helmet
- Don’t drive faster than the speed limit
The notice was marked as issued by Region 8 Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Suraphong Thanomchit, via Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Pol Maj Gen Saranyu Chananrat, who also serves as the Region 8 Police Spokesperson.