The issue was raised by Phuketian Tantai Wongsaeree who decided to contact The Phuket News after losing his wallet in the departure lounge of the airport and was passed from pillar to post in his attempt to get his wallet back.
Mr Tantai told The Phuket News that on March 24 he was at the branch of Subway in the departure lounge whilst waiting with his mother for a flight to Bangkok when he lost his wallet.
“I was sitting at Subway with my mum when I got up in a rush to take our bags to the departure gate. I saw a Chinese woman quickly sat in the chair but didn't pay much attention to it,” he said.
“When I was about to board the flight I realised that my wallet wasn̕t in my pocket.
“I rushed to the AOT staff at the x-ray point. They gave me a surprised look and told me to tell AirAsia staff to make an announcement, I was actually flying with Thai Smile.
“My flight was giving it̕s last boarding call so I quickly told the Thai Smile ground staff about the loss and said I would follow up on it when I returned to Phuket in the evening of March 27.
Mr Tantai said upon his return, he went straight to the Tourism Assisstance Centre. The staff there said they couldn̕t help and told him to go to the police.
“There was a policeman on duty, but he said he couldn't take a report,” said Mr Tantai.
“I talked to another two AOT staff, they told me to make a report at Tha Chat Chai Police Station and bring it back to the airport as this would allow the staff to check CCTV footage. However, this could only be done in working hours. It was already late at night.
“I don't think the procedure I was told to follow makes any sense.
“I don't expect to get my wallet back, but as a Phuketian, and as Phuket is a world class tourist destination, I would like to see better solutions to solve these kinds of problems.
“If I was a tourist and I had to leave Phuket, what would I do? How should these officials help them?
“There are two points I would like to make: I think procedures to help in situations like mine should be clearer and quicker. I was very dissatisfied by the blank faces of the AOT staff
“Secondly, the security systems at the airport should be more accessible. We are a tourist destination and we should be able to help people when and where they need it,” he said.
In light of Mr Tantai̕s̕ comments, The Phuket News contacted Tha Chat Chai Police Station̕s superintendent Pol Col Somchai Sanprasert, he said, “Actually, if there is a serious case it must fall under the responsibility of the case officer assigned at the station. However, if it is not serious then the police stationed at the Airport can take the report and help with airport procedures.
“Previously, police stationed at the airport were rotated, but due to manpower shortages officers who were previously stationed at the airport are requried to assist other police stations.
“Now if someone has a problem such as losing a wallet, police at the airport can help with airport procedures. However, if it is an incident which, for example, involves a fight or a theft the case officer from Tha Chat Chai Police Station will need to take care of the case. Police stationed at the airport will call the case officer on duty at Tha Chat Chai Police Station and the officer will go to the Airport to investigate.
“There was previously an idea to establish a police station at Phuket International Airport, but I don̕t think it's necessary. I think the best way is to way is to increase police manpower at the airport.
The Phuket News also spoke to Monruedee Ketphan, Director of Airports of Thailand, Phuket Office who said, “This is a problem that we are concerned about. I have talked to the superintendent of Tha Chat Chai and I understand the they are short of manpower. However, we will try to solve this issue as it affects Phuket̕s image. It will also help visitors who do have a problem at the airport.
“The superintendent has confirmed to me that police on duty at the aitport can deal with a case if it̕s not a criminal case. However, sometimes the officer on duty may not know that he can take the complaint, or sometimes the police might need to patrol with AOT staff. But please be assured we are trying to solve this problem.”
Meanwhile, Santi Pawai, Director of Tourism and Sports Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office told The Phuket News, “Tourists who need help at the aiport can contact the Tourist Assisstance Centre and the officer there will cooperate with the police.
“If you are in a hurry, we will follow up the case and send an update to you.
“There are several cases I can recall in the past where we have managed to return passenger's possessions.
“If you would like to contact TAC please call 076-327-100.”