7-Eleven counters in Phuket beach towns now accepting police reports

PHUKET: Victims of crimes in Kata and Karon can now file reports with police by visiting any 7-Eleven convenience store in the area.

“Tourists in Kata-Karon now have an alternative and easy way to reach police. Our hope is that this will boost tourists’ confidence in their safety during their stay on the island,” Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karajedee told the Phuket Gazette.

Stickers promoting the service have been provided to each of the beach towns’ 7-Eleven stores, and signs have been installed in various locations in the area. The stickers and signs are written in Thai, Chinese, English and Russian.

The signs read: “If you were a victim of snatching, robbery or theft while in Kata-Karon, please report it to the Karon Police by calling 076-396393 or at any 7-Eleven in Kata-Karon”.

Karon Police Inspector Pornnarong Karnonchai has been credited with the idea.

“We have wanted to launch this campaign for a long time. We started training 7-Eleven staff in July in basic police report procedure,” Maj Pornnarong said.

“There are 10 stores total in Kata-Karon. When tourists report a crime to 7-Eleven staff, they will call us right away. It will take less than five minutes for an officer to arrive at the store.”

Police are soliciting more 7-Elevens on the island to join the campaign.

“Police Region 8 Commander Decha Budnampetch likes the idea. We now want to convince every other 7-Eleven on the island to take part,” said Col Peerayuth.

“There are about 340 branches in total. If all of them join us, it will be a great step forward for the community’s fight against crime.

“The more co-operation we have, the better we can do.”

Col Peerayuth is confident that the project will be a success.

“This campaign is great because it is as if there are 10 more police boxes, and they are very easy to spot,” he said. “Many tourists have no idea where Karon Police Station is located.

“Also, most 7-Eleven staff can speak some English as they are used to working with foreign customers. Language barriers should not be a big problem.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong