More than 100 businesses have joined the campaign, said Kathu Police Chief Col Chaiwat Uikum.
“This campaign is a collaboration of the Kathu Police, Patong Municipality and Kathu District Office,” he explained.
“We want residents, businesses, hotels, resorts and entertainment venues to set up CCTV in their areas to help monitor any suspicious activity. We especially would like CCTV at entertainment venues be turned towards the street so we can boost security to cover every street corner,” he added.
Col Chaiwat pointed out that having local private CCTV feed into a police-monitored system would alleviate the need for extra budget and the time required to install government CCTV cameras.
“Many people see how important it is to provide safety for residents and tourists by supporting the campaign,” he said.
“More than 100 venues and official offices have already connected their CCTV to our system. We gave out stickers to those who are participating in the campaign and we want more to join.”
Among those whose CCTV are already providing police with CCTV footage are Big Boss Tailor, Red Hot Restuarant, Jungceylon, Dusit D2 Hotel and the Nanai community, he added.
“The campaign aims to ensure tourists and residents a re safe, especially in a town that never sleeps. At least 50,000 tourists come through Patong every 24 hours, so security is a priority,” Col Chaiwat said.
Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiyawong added that more CCTV footage would make it easier for police to track down criminals.
“More cameras on streets not only helps to ensure the safety of residents, business operators and tourists, but also helps officials to work faster in case of accidents or criminal activity taking place,” he said.
“We also want to let tourists know about the campaign and that we are taking their safety seriously. If more people get involved in the campaign, we’ll have more stickers put up across the island.”