PHUKET: Following four people drowning at Phuket beaches over the past five days, Phuket officials today (Aug 2) issued an order all government agencies to support lifeguards in order to prevent more drownings.
“Most recently, today, August 2, 2023, the Governor of Phuket ordered every district and every local government organisation to reinforce the Civil Defense Volunteers (อปพร, “OrPorPorRor”) and lifeguards in taking care of the safety of people and tourists at every point,” said a report by the Phuket Office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket),
Local police and Tourist Police were instructed to support lifeguards by providing assistance when it came to tourists ignoring red flags, warning signs, or lifeguards’ warnings, the report said.
“On this occasion, tourists are requested to comply with government notifications, especially in areas with strong wind waves,” the report said.
Phuket Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrabram today explained that the Phuket Provincial Government had issued several orders to officials to ramp up safety of tourists and local residents, especially with regards to marine safety and more recently regarding fireworks, and especially over the long six-day holiday currently being enjoyed by government workers.
Today’s order was no different, the report said.
“If there is a violation or emergency, notify the local police station immediately,” said the official order issued today.
“Please be informed accordingly. and continue to take relevant action,” the order added.
The order was signed by Vice Governor Anupap, as “Deputy Governor acting on behalf of the Governor of Phuket”.
“Phuket province [the provincial government] has ordered preparations from time to time, but it has caused damage to the lives of both Thai and foreign tourists, which is something that we do not want to happen,” the PR Phuket report noted.
“Phuket Province has raised safety measures for citizens and tourists, ordering every district, every local government organisation to strengthen the Civil Defense Volunteers and lifeguards in taking care of the safety of people and tourists at every point,” it added.
