Many don’t work, and many are of such poor quality and transmit such low quality images that their only benefit could be their ability to act as deterrents: as robotic scarecrows.
A further problem is that there is not one central terminal from which you can access and view each camera. This policing responsibility lies with those who actually own the cameras.
On May 14, following a spate of mini-mart robberies, Phuket police suggested the stores install cameras outside as well as inside their stores in a bid to deter crime.
A month and a half later Michelle Smith was stabbed to death outside a hotel in Kata Noi.
The police were lucky and were able to retrieve grainy images. Although not of high enough quality to identify the licence plate of the getaway bike, police were able to identify and backtrack the route Michelle’s assailants had taken, which later led to the two arrests.
The whole island, and especially the tourism industry, breathed a collective sigh of relief. The pivotal role the cameras played in capturing the attackers highlighted the positive role CCTV can play in security on Phuket.
On July 3, Governor Tri Augkaradacha said that he wanted to see the number of CCTV cameras raised to 5,000. As a show of faith he has pledged to allocate B2 million of his B10m emergency fund to buy 100 cameras. The remaining B78m will theoretically come from the other local authorities on the island, private businesses, donations and central government in Bangkok.
If this does ever happen, then the next step would be to connect every camera to a central point or, via the Internet, to multiple points.
No mention has yet been made of privacy issues; right now the collective opinion seems to be that being watched is good. This is of course if someone is actually paid, or volunteers, to do the watching.
Right now eyes worldwide are on Phuket. The new “eyes” on the island, it is be hoped, will reassure the world that Phuket is serious about becoming safer.