Safety on Phuket beaches after murder -- various views

To download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=216565

Special report for Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) at 8.30am & local Cable TV channel 1 + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Tuesday 25 March 2008 & http://news.prd.go.th

Not only natural beauty can attract tourists to visit any destination, but safety is one of the main factors contributing to travelers' decisions. Our special report today takes a look at security and safety measures at Phuket's busy Patong beach and quiet beach in Phuket.

The island of Phuket is home to many spectacular beaches, some so popular and busy, some seductively hidden and undiscovered by those who are keen to explore the secrets of nature. Patong beach, for example is one of Phuket's or even Thailand's famous beaches for tourists around the world. Due to its diversity offered in sun sand sea, water sports and shopping plus its nightlife which is an excitement many don't miss while visiting Phuket. Management is a key word for tourist destinations in order to accommodate large numbers of tourists and businesses. The Patong Municipality has been developing infrastructure and facilities to catch up with tourism growth. The 2004 tsunami experience led to local governments to learn that not only natural beauty is needed for tourists, but also they have to be secure and assured of safety plus a good environment. This is being recognized by the local administrators, like Pian Keesin, Patong Mayor. Apart from 3 early warning towers in case of any sign of natural disaster as precautionary measures, Patong also currently operates Closed Circuit Televisions or CCTVs at 16 locations on 3 major roads Thaweewong, Rat-Utit and PhraBaramee. The equipment helps police to monitor traffic and crime as the Kathu police superintendent Pol. Col. Krissak Song-moon-naak, who oversees Patong area, explains: "The CCTV system currently operational is one of the very first systems introduced. We use it for traffic plus for security. The technology then needs to improve as it can show traffic accidents with duty officers each shift to control or monitor the operation."

In addition, the police are receiving another 4 million baht funding from Patong Municipality to have 10 more CCTVs to cover more areas. The equipment is reported to be more hi-tech and the public will be able to access the camera views via the Internet. Patong mayor confirms its emphasis on supporting the operator. "One main issue is safety. The municipality invests some money to obstruct any crime activities to enable police to locate wrong doers."

On the other hand, the 10 kilometre long Mai Khao beach, located just north of Phuket airport is relatively quiet and peaceful at several points like the area near the campsite far from big hotels and more resorts being built elsewhere. Tourists used to compliment it saying it is like paradise as a small local bungalow operator, Mon-si-karn Ruck-rang-si-man-suk told us: "Most guests say this is paradise and we provide equally special services to each client." The more private the more remote it gets, may sometimes lead to more need for safety, as the recent murder on Mai Khao illustrated. Manote Chupak, advisor to the Phuket Tourism and Sports Centre agrees with the idea of local participation in monitoring tourist safety: "We need to establish more networks & have local villagers participate in taking care of tourists."

On the government side, the Tourism and Sports Minister, Mr Weerasak Kow-su-rat, on his recent visit to Phuket, sought cooperation from local authorities to install new measures. He stressed that in some areas beaches can be quiet and remote so more beach guards are needed. At the same time, the Ministry is introducing whistles for tourists as a tool to seek help in case of emergencies especially violence against women, as he showed us:

Finally let's hear some comments by (Swedish & Slovakian) tourists on Kata beach to hear what they think of safety here on Phuket's & nearby beaches:

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Phuket
• Thailand
• beach
• safety

[skullsmasher01]

@qeolion ....but you dont have sexy little asian bar whores so Costa Brava sucks

[aromchuen]

@qeolion and what does that have anything to do with whats going on in this video?

[qeolion]

Tossa de mar, Palamós, Platja d´aro Begur,Cadaqués,etc....you´ll love it ;-)

[auiandpong]

fuck off

[belleek20]

what cities in Costa Brava should we visit?

[qeolion]

you don´t need to go to puket! in Costa Brava we have the best beaches and food best discos best views! and cheaper!

[phuketdvd]

What's the url to see the cctv camera images on the internet?