The two-day, one-night training course for the OrSor personnel was held at the Mueang Phuket District Office in Phuket Town, and concluded on Wednesday (Jan 21).
According to an official report, the training was designed to develop potential, enhance knowledge and improve essential skills among OrSor members, enabling them to better facilitate safety and security for both residents and tourists in the district.
The Volunteer Defence Corps is a paramilitary organisation operating under the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Ministry of Interior. Established in 1954, it was originally formed to support the Royal Thai Army and counter communist insurgencies.
The home page of the Volunteer Defence Corps clearly states the OrSor’s understanding of their role in Thailand, with the mottos, “It’s not just the police or military that protect the land; the Volunteers also cherish Thai soil and are willing to sacrifice their lives for it,” and "Special Task Force 6, we, the Volunteers, solemnly pledge to protect our nation until our last breath."
In Phuket, OrSor members are often recognised by their military-style uniforms and white elephant insignia, and are frequently seen assisting local officials and law enforcement officers.
As part of the programme, the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office (PR Phuket), through its Chief Sophon Kiamkan, assigned Kanyanat Nakarat, Public Relations Officer, and Praesita Yiamsiri, Mass Communication Officer, to act as instructors.
The instructors provided training on public relations and modern communication, focusing on accurate, timely and appropriate information delivery.
The sessions also highlighted the role of OrSor members in supporting the dissemination of government information, with the aim of enhancing the organisation’s public image and building confidence among residents and tourists, said the official report.
The training forms part of integrated cooperation between government agencies to strengthen both security and communication capabilities, supporting Phuket’s ongoing mission to maintain peace and security across the province, the report added.