Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, together with Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, oversaw the departure of six air-conditioned buses carrying the group from the PPAO offices at 9pm.
Senior provincial officials, administrative officers and police were on hand to facilitate the departure, maintain order and offer encouragement to those making the journey to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall within the Grand Palace complex.
Police officers were assigned to travel on each bus to ensure security throughout the journey from Phuket to Bangkok. Authorities also conducted strict checks on drivers and vehicles prior to departure, including inspections of vehicle readiness and urine drug testing of drivers and related personnel, to ensure public safety and confidence.
Officials said the measures reflected the province’s commitment to ensuring that residents wishing to travel to Bangkok to pay their respects could do so safely, smoothly and with dignity.
“The province [Phuket Provincial Office] has integrated cooperation from all sectors to support our citizens on this important journey,” officials noted, adding that close coordination between provincial authorities, the PPAO and police was in place along the travel route.
Residents participating in the trip expressed appreciation for the level of care and organisation provided by government agencies, saying the support made them feel reassured and proud to be part of the official delegation paying respects on behalf of Phuket.
The trip forms part of a nationwide operational plan launched by the Ministry of Interior, running from Nov 17 to Feb 1, which allocates quotas for citizens from all 76 provinces to travel to the Grand Palace.
Under the plan, approximately 3,000 people from each province – a total of about 225,000 nationwide – are scheduled to make the journey in organised groups.
Phuket has been allocated four groups of 750 people each. The first group departed the island on Nov 25 for their scheduled visit to the Grand Palace. The second group, which left Phuket yesterday, is scheduled to pay their respects tomorrow (Dec 16).
The remaining two groups from Phuket are scheduled to travel to Bangkok and pay their respects on Jan 4 and Jan 28, respectively.
Provincial officials reiterated that similar security, safety and logistical measures will be applied to all remaining groups to ensure that each journey proceeds in an orderly and respectful manner.