The motorbikes provided are all Yamaha NMAX 155 models, currently costing about B92,000 each. Although exactly how much was spent on buying the new fleet motorbikes has yet to be confirmed, the current estimate is that the new fleet of motorbikes cost B4,692,000 in total.
The defence of the new fleet of motorbikes follows reporters arriving at Phuket City Police Station yesterday (Oct 19), and following harsh criticism posted on a popular local social media webpage, saying the new motorbikes were more likely to be used for personal reasons.
Parked in front of Phuket City Police Station yesterday were 51 new motorbikes in total. Officers were seen exiting the police station, mounting the new motorbikes and moving off to perform their patrols.
The officers had initially arrived for work on their own motorbikes and cars, which were all left in the police station parking lot.
Pol Col Pratuang said that the new fleet was procured under the budget for the new fiscal year, which began on Oct 1.
“Government items, whether they are firearms, ammunition, armour or vehicles, will be all provided and made ready for use. At the same time, if repairs are required, we will request a budget from the Provincial Police… Whatever is missing will be made right,” Pol Col Pratuang said.
Pol Lt Col Kamala Niyomkhet, Phuket City Police Deputy Chief, said all the new motorbikes were provided in full accordance with the law.
“Traffic officers must use these vehicles when performing their normal duties because they must be provided to them by law. They are the correct vehicles and suit the needs of Traffic Police,” he said.
Pol Col Pratheung added Phuket City Police could not rely on officers using their personal vehicles for work, as they had no idea when they would be left without patrol vehicles because a personal motorike had broken down or was involved in an accident.
Previously, some Traffic Police officers had even performed their duties by using an old motorbike with sidecar (saleng).
Pol Lt Col Thani Wirawikrom, an Inspector at Phuket City Police Station, said the new motorbikes would be put to immediate effective use, especially in officers being dispatched for traffic control during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which concludes on Monday (Oct 23).