The project, which will be ongoing, was launched on October 14 and includes two new patrol vehicles, a brochure drive and a Facebook page.
Pol Lt Col Thummasan Boonsong, the Superintendent of the Police Investigation Division, told The Phuket News the idea stemmed from tourists being harassed by illegal taxi drivers, and facing other problems while on the island.
“We have two new stickered vehicles, one jeep and one van, that will drive around the island. One will drive around the north side, and the other will drive around the south, and during the evening it will be around Bangla Road,” he said.
There are also posters and brochures being distributed in six different languages – Thai, English, Mandarin, Russian, Japanese and Korean – with contact details of who to call if the tourists have any problems.
These are being given out to people arriving at Phuket International Airport and posters are being put up in hotels around the island.
Lt Col Thummasan said, “It is impossible to think that crime won’t happen anymore because of this project. But if criminals see these vehicles and police officers around, perhaps it will make them think twice before doing anything. I think this campaign is good because we are closer to the people who need help.
“Our first case was when a Thai tourist who was visiting from Phang Nga lost her purse on October 23 while at the Tin Mining Museum. She saw the stickered van drive past, and hailed it down. Then the police officers were able to find the purse, which had been dropped in the area.
“For special occasions, like events that have large numbers of people gathering such as sports events or concerts, we will patrol around these areas with the vehicles,” Lt Col Thummasan said.
“Sometimes the tourists don’t know where to seek help. First, they can always call 191 that will reach any police station, wherever they are.
“But they can also contact our officers directly: Pol Lt Col Napat Keawwehol on 091 017 9194; Pol Lt Nakarin Sreeakaravinet 087 955 5677; or myself on 080 718 6858.”
Those wishing to follow the project can visit the Facebook page, “Phuket Police Tourist Care”.