Phuket’s Safety Sandbox: Island paradise prepares for full-scale safety drill

Phuket, a tropical paradise best known for its white sandy beaches, is gearing up for a comprehensive safety drill. Dubbed the Safety Phuket Island Sandbox, the exercise is slated for November 26 and will unfold in three different locations across the island.

The initiative will showcase the readiness of emergency services while providing hands-on experience for the island’s emergency responders.

The decision was made during a meeting held at Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) on November 6. The gathering was graced by the presence of Dr Niti Hetanurak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Thanit Sermkaew, Public Health Supervisor of the Government Inspection Area 11 office, PPHO Chief Dr Kusak Kukkiattikoon, and Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas. Representatives from various other government agencies also participated in this important discussion.

One of the key highlights of the safety exercise will be a live demonstration of an air-sea rescue mission at Patong Beach. This demonstration aims to showcase the capabilities and readiness of emergency services in the event of a crisis. The demonstration will also be broadcast live, providing a real-time view of the operations to a global audience.

Simultaneously, Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town will serve as the venue for an event promoting the vaccination and sterilisation of cats and dogs. This initiative is part of a broader public health effort to ensure the well-being of pets and their owners in the area.

In an equally significant move towards public health, Lard Yai Walking Street in Phuket Town will host an exhibition titled Street Food Good Health. Here, local vendors will be awarded signs indicating their compliance with PPHO’s health and hygiene requirements. These signs are part of an initiative that aims to reassure locals and tourists that the street food offered meets high hygiene standards.

Further details about the Safety Phuket Island Sandbox initiative and its associated events are yet to be announced. As the island prepares for this multi-event day, the message is clear: Phuket is prioritising safety and public health, making it a safer destination for both its residents and visitors.

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