They are: Loma Park and Bangla Rd in Patong; Kamala Public Park; Saphan Hin and Limelight Avenue in Talad Yai (Phuket Town); Kata and Karon Beaches; Soi Ta Eiad in Chalong; Sirinart Marine National Park (south of the airport) in Mai Khao; and Surin Beach in Cherng Talay.
At a meeting of government departments yesterday afternoon (April 2) Governor Nisit Jansomwong warned, “The Cabinet has laid out eight policy points governing Songkran. These are law, and if people don’t follow them we have an authority to penalise them.
(For the eight points, see this story.)
“I would like to have uniformed and plainclothes police in each zone. I don’t want to see any cases of theft or robbery, especially by people on motorcycles.
“If you see someone drunk, tell them to stop and hold on to them until they are fully sober. I would also like ambulances stationed in important zones.
“As for marine safety, life jackets must be ready, boats must be in fully functioning condition, and wheelmen must not be drunk.
“In their zones of responsibility each local administration organisation should promote safe Songkran practices and keep a sharp eye out on your area. Local authorities should set up slow-down points on minor roads in their area.
“For main roads such as to Patong and Saphan Hin, I think we should have military police enhancing prevention [of road traffic offences].”
“When there are accidents, roads must be cleared quickly to prevent traffic congestion. The police in the area must get to the scene as quick as possible, and have tow trucks and cranes ready to use.
He also urged the public to become spotters for the police.
“I have seen road users jumping red lights many times, so I urge all road users to take photos of those who run the lights and send the pictures to the police.”
Pol Col Tassanai Orarikadech, Director of General Staff Division of Phuket Provincial Police, said, “There will be seven main police checkpoints, 11 minor checkpoints and 21 mobile patrols in each area, with patrol officers and bomb dispocal officers in each zone.
“Law enforcement will be strict and those who break the law will be charged.
“The police PR campaign during Songkran is, “Slow Down, Protect your Life.”