Phuket officials, hospitality reps talk safety

PHUKET: Phuket officials met with tourism and hospitality operators yesterday to discuss safety measures and contingency plans in case of emergencies.

Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat, as well as officials from the Thai Hotels Association and Ministry of Tourism and Sports Phuket Office (MOTS), met with representatives from private and public sector hospitality businesses at a conference held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel.

The vice governor spoke of the need to enhance safety measures in the wake of the Erawan Shrine explosion in August last year (story here), and added that the incident had smeared the image of Thailand as a peaceful tourist destination.

“The major tourist-oriented provinces are Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin, and it is important for staff in the hospitality business to educate others on how to handle such situations, in addition to improving the quality of service,” said V/Gov Chokdee.

He also appealed to the unique Thai sense of hospitality and culture, which has helped Thailand tide over tough times in the past.

— Sukawin Tanthavanich