The Governor acknowledged the challenges Phuket faced due to recent floods, which impacted the local population and tourism. He also highlighted efforts to manage and prevent landslides through a study of fault lines and the development of a new highway system to ease traffic congestion, said an official report of the event.
Support from the public, including land donations for traffic solutions, was appreciated. The Governor emphasised his openness to feedback from all sectors to drive Phuket’s progress.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, outlined measures to enhance tourist safety under the ‘Phuket Model’, including:
- Providing interpreter services for tourists at police stations.
- Increased patrols and monitoring at tourist hotspots.
- Crackdowns on illegal activities, particularly by foreigners, and the establishment of an operations centre to address crimes related to foreign business operations.
He also discussed safety measures for risky activities, such as jet skiing and parasailing, emphasising the importance of insurance and collaboration with businesses to create safety standards.
TAKE THE BUS
Adcha Buachan, chief of the Phuket Provincial Transport Office (PLTO), talked about plans to improve Phuket’s public transportation system.
The PLTO was looking at expanding bus routes, promoting the use of electric buses, implementing real-time GPS tracking, installing CCTV for vehicle monitoring, and developing an app to help tourists and locals navigate the transport network, he said
“These initiatives aim to make transportation safer and more efficient for everyone in Phuket,” Mr Adcha added.
Mr Adcha encouraged residents and tourists to use public transportation more frequently as a way to help alleviate traffic problems in Phuket.
Mr Adcha, rarely seen in public, made no comment on the spate of violent attacks carried out by Phuket ’green plate’ taxi drivers thoought the year, or the increasing number of violent incidents involving motorbike taxi drivers in Patong.