Phuket’s beach lifeguard emergency sorted, for now
Security measure on a Phuket beach have been temporarily solved after agencies concerned put their heads together.
Phuket Governor Norapat Plodthong hosted a meeting at the provincial hall on Thursday, gathering various local authorities to discuss beach security after the contract with the Phuket Lifeguard Company finishes on Saturday night.
Organisations attending the provincial hall meeting included the tambon administration, defence volunteers and the Royal Thai Navy Area 3.
The Governor later reported that interim arrangements have been worked out. The beach would be patrolled by a team of defence volunteers working with the support of the navy, which would provide a diving team along with onshore, offshore and aerial patrol officers.
“As we prioritise the safety of all beachgoers, there must always be lifeguards at each beach around Phuket,” said the governor.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Watcharin Pathomwattanapong of the Phuket OrBorJor, said that his local administrative organisation would continue to temporarily use the same lifeguard company directly after the contract ends.
The company would be paid Bt14,000 per lifeguard per month until a new bidding process for the lifeguard contract could be completed.
Phuket Vice Governor Sanit Sriwihok said that the high season is coming soon and many Chinese tourists are expected to visit Phuket during their national holidays.
Chinese National Day celebrations take place October 1-10, said the vice governor. “According to tourism statistics, there is usually an influx of about 300,000 Chinese tourists coming to Thailand and at least 50,000 of them will be in Phuket during that period. Safety measures must be our priority.”
