Thai PM calls for tourist safety in Phuket ahead of high season

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insists tourist safety in Phuket must be prioritised ahead of the upcoming high season.

The Thai premier made these remarks during a meeting with tourism-related agencies in Phuket yesterday, August 12, to prepare for the high tourist season from September to February.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Royal Thai Police, Provincial Police Region 8, Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Bureau, Marine Police, Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Phuket Provincial Governor, and Airports of Thailand (AoT).

A source revealed that the 62 year old prime minister emphasised the need for all relevant agencies, particularly police officers, to be fully prepared to provide services to tourists and address potential crimes, whether committed by or against tourists.

Even though the high season has not yet begun, tourist numbers in Phuket have already surged. According to AoT reports, Phuket International Airport has been handling 20-30 flights daily this month.

During the high season, the airport expects to welcome 14,000-15,000 tourists each day, amounting to approximately 600,000 tourists per month—double the number compared to last year, the source added.

The Bangkok-born premier also directed AoT to speed up baggage handling processes to avoid long wait times.

He highlighted the importance of the automated document verification system to help reduce the workload for immigration officers, ensuring that tourists do not wait more than 30 minutes at immigration during peak times.

Provincial Police Region 8 outlined their preparations to facilitate tourism and prevent crimes, including plans to collaborate closely with consulates in Phuket, such as those of Russia, China, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries.

Moreover, there will be an increase in the number of international volunteers to assist tourists in communicating with authorities or offering other help.

Police will strictly enforce the law to reduce crimes and enhance tourist safety, especially as the government has extended the operating hours of entertainment venues to 4am, a move that has received positive feedback from tourists, the source noted. The Thai PM also instructed the RTN to assist tourists in case of accidents at sea, reported Bangkok Post.