Phuket’s ‘Pineapple Eyes’ boosts community security efforts

Phuket is stepping up its security game with a new initiative aimed at strengthening community surveillance against modern threats.
The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 3 branch held a special training session on March 25 to empower residents, airport security staff, and civilian officers to detect and respond to potential risks.
The initiative, Community Pineapple Eyes, aims to create an alert and informed network capable of identifying suspicious activities before they escalate, said Lieutenant General Chanin Singhanatnirak, Director of ISOC Region 3, who inaugurated the training session.
“The world is changing, and so are the threats. This training isn’t just about spotting potential bomb threats; it’s about building a community network that can act as the ‘eyes’ of security.”
The event also drew attention from local officials, including Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, who urged participants to play an active role in maintaining the peace and security of the province.
ISOC, a key part of Thailand’s military apparatus, operates in every province, serving as the political arm of the military.
Yesterday’s training, titled Development of a Network to Monitor and Warn of Terrorism, reflected the growing concern over emerging threats such as terrorism, transnational crime, and cybercrime.
Lt. Gen. Chanin highlighted the increasingly sophisticated nature of modern security risks, involving advanced technologies, document forgery, and cross-border movements.
The training programme included expert-led sessions covering a wide range of critical topics, including internal security, patriotism, and survival strategies for terrorist incidents.
One particularly notable session focused on facial recognition techniques and the use of technology to improve local security surveillance.
Participants were encouraged to share their insights, helping to develop a more comprehensive security action plan tailored to the unique needs of Phuket. Airport security specialists also played a crucial role, offering valuable advice on how to monitor potential threats at one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.
By fostering a network of watchful Community Pineapple Eyes, ISOC aims to enhance the island’s security measures and create a more proactive, community-driven approach to combating modern threats.
With growing concerns over terrorism and cybercrime, this initiative could serve as a model for other provinces looking to safeguard their communities more effectively, reported The Phuket News.