Police to get “anti-terrorist’ equipment

PHUKET: Following instructions from Phuket Provincial Governor Charnchai Soontharamut, police have ordered 85,000 baht worth of metal detecting equipment in order to “increase public safety” in Phuket. The equipment, which is scheduled for delivery at the beginning of July, consists of two Super Scanners and an Inspector G-100. The Super Scanner is a hand-held metal detector similar to those used in airports for body searches, and will enable police to search suspects for weapons. The Inspector G-100 is a metal detector like those used by “treasure hunters” on the beach, which will allow police to find buried weapons or explosive devices. Phuket will be the first province in the southern region of Thailand to receive such equipment. Police hope that the new detectors will boost the confidence of tourists and discourage terrorists, said Pol Col Kokiat Wongvorachart, Superintendent of Kathu Police Station. He added, “There are no serious terrorist threats to Phuket at the moment, but the detectors should nonetheless give a boost to the tourism industry. Having this equipment will also make Phuket look more civilized.” The detectors will be kept by the Kathu Police but will be available to other police on the island upon request.