Phuket Songkran starts early, Governor urges ‘Safety First’

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut has called for all officers island-wide to make public safety their top priority during the Songkran celebrations, which unofficially started early in Patong late today.

Governor Maitri specifically ordered that extra officers be posted at the six official water-play zones on the island:

– Saphan Hin Park, Phuket Town

– Kata-Karon beachfront

– Soi Bangla and Patong beach road

– Kamala Park

– Surin Beach

– Sirinath National Park

“More officers will be on duty and will pay specific attention to the water-play zones. Every department is called on to boost public safety,” Governor Maitri said.

“Brochures promoting safety tips will be handed out to motorists at police checkpoints across the island. I have also requested the Marine Police and Marine Office to inspect boats and their captains to make sure everyone will be safe during the holidays,” he added.

In Patong, more than 100 police officers will join volunteers in patrolling Soi Bangla and the beach road.

“Officers will specifically enforce five rules in order to prevent crime and accidents during the festivities,” Patong Police Superintendent Chiraphat Pochanaphan said.

The five rules are:

– Don’t sell alcohol in the designated water play zones

– Don’t drink alcohol in a vehicle even if you are just a passenger

– Don’t sexually harass women

– Don’t buy or sell alcohol by the side of the road or in any other public area

– Don’t drink and drive

“We will treat any other wrongful behavior case by case,” he added.

“Police will be targeting anyone who might cause trouble,” Col Chiraphat warned. “Anyone found breaking the rules and causing any trouble will be arrested.”

Additional reporting by Irfarn Jamdukor

— Kritsada Mueanhawong