Kathu police hope the SOS Call Point will make tourists feel safer in the high season because it allows them to inform police about incidents without first having to go to the police station or find a patrol officer.
Pol Lt Col Pongpichan Chayanonpirai of Kathu Police Station told The Phuket News, “If it works for tourists [in Patong], we will recommend that other machines be installed at other beaches in Phuket.”
“The system is similar to calling the emergency 191 hotline, but it is a video call. Whenever a tourist has a problem with a criminal situation, they can inform a policeman by SOS.
The system, which is funded by the private sector, will then alert the 191 call centre in Phuket Town. Once a policeman in the area receives information from the call centre, he will go directly to the SOS Call Point.
“The SOS Call Point is equipped with CCTV which can record activities in the area. A camera will also record the faces of people who use the Call Point.”
He added that even in a blackout it will work; it has a backup battery.