B14m tourist rescue center opens

CHALONG PIER: After more than six months of setting-up, the Phuket Tourist Rescue Center (PTRC) at Chalong Pier was officially opened by Phuket Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi this morning. The PTRC, funded by 14 million baht from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, coordinates emergency response teams for people in distress in the waters off Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga. Dr Prasit Koeysiripong, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, said, “The main function of the center is to be the hub for radio communications involving emergencies. We receive communications from many parties, including the Third Naval Area Command, Phuket Marine Police, Krabi Marine Police, Phuket Immigration and tourist vessels.” The PRTC began operations on March 1 with a skeleton staff of just a four. Nine officers arrived on August 15 to help man the radio at the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center also coordinates emergency services on land to aid in rescues, with the ability to draw assistance from the Bangkok Phuket Hospital, the Phuket International Hospital, Wachira Phuket Hospital and volunteer rescue groups such as the Kusornlatham Foundation. To report emergencies in the Phuket area, call Tel: 1196 or 076-214368. To report emergencies in the Krabi area, call the Krabi Marine Police at Tel: 075-612756. To report emergencies at sea, contact the PRTC on channel 21 of the Mod dam (Superstar) AM band, or the Marine Police Division 5 at FM 153.55 Mhz.