Phuket Crime Free scheme unveiled to ensure tourist safety during peak season
Phuket has launched the Phuket Crime Free scheme, an initiative aimed at safeguarding international tourists during the peak season. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday, bringing together both governmental and private sector entities.
Among those involved are the provincial administration, provincial police, tourism police, immigration office, and provincial land department office. Private sector representatives include the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Phuket Tourist Association, Phuket Real Estate Association, and the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association.
Superintendent of Phuket Immigration Police Thanet Sukchai highlighted the pressing need for such a scheme, stating that the high season typically sees the arrival of more than 200,000 visitors every month, reported Bangkok Post. A surge of such magnitude raises concerns around crime rates and illicit activities, particularly drug-related offences.
The primary focus of the Phuket Crime Free scheme is to secure accommodations for tourists, including hotels, guesthouses, condominiums, and rental houses. The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive database of these establishments and their guests to ensure a crime and narcotics-free environment, thereby prioritising tourist safety.
Thanet underscored the alignment of the initiative with Phuket’s ambition to position itself as a leading global destination. The extensive network built through this certification process is expected to facilitate sustainable crime prevention while enhancing the overall safety and security of the region.
The initiative will also address exploitable loopholes in the system, often used by criminal syndicates to establish operating bases within Thai accommodations. The recent discontinuation of the TM.6 immigration card collection, for instance, created a gap in crucial information regarding foreign residents’ accommodation during their stay in Thailand, particularly during the high season.
In related news, Phuket launched a robust seven-day anti-crime campaign ahead of the Loy Krathong Festival, engaging diverse law enforcement entities for public safety. A strategic move to address potential challenges, ensuring a secure and positive experience for locals and tourists during the festive celebration. To read more, click HERE.
