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PHUKET: The Tourist Police are hoping to recruit 100 people, including foreigners, to complete a weekend-long course and become volunteer tourist police officers, capable of safeguarding the wellbeing of tourists.

Phuket Tourist Police inspector Pol Maj Bundit Khaosutham told the Gazette that the course would cover topics such as first aid and how to spot con men and others who might prey on tourists.

The course is due to be held at the Royal Paradise Hotel on March 28 and 29.

Maj Bundit said it was hoped representatives of the hotel business and beach vendors would come forward to volunteer, as well as members of the public.

The course could give hoteliers a better understanding of the problems encountered by tourists, while beach vendors are often the first on the scene when there is an emergency affecting tourists, such as another tsunami, he said.

Members of the public could perhaps watch out for criminals preying on tourists and pass information to the police.

Maj Bundit added that he would like to see expatriates join the course and also become volunteer officers.

People wishing to apply to join the course should go to the Phuket Tourist Police Office on the bypass road, and take along two one-inch pictures of themselves.