“More than 200 officers have been assigned to provide security at the venue area. They will be stationed at all entrances and will be checking strictly for drugs,” Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum told The Phuket News.
According to Maj Gen Sinlert, the deployment will include police officers from Thalang Police and Cherng Talay Police to manage congestion and on-site security.
In total, around 700 officers will be on duty, supported by approximately 300 security personnel provided by the event organisers and 100-200 administrative officials, Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor) personnel and other volunteer groups will also assist with crowd management and safety.
Addressing concerns raised after last year’s fatalities, Maj Gen Sinlert stressed that investigations found no drugs on the deceased at the time of the incidents.
“Forensic examinations later confirmed the presence of drugs in their bodies, but authorities could not determine where the substances were obtained,” he said.
He also noted that drugs were not the sole contributing factor. Extreme weather conditions, physical exhaustion and a lack of sleep were also believed to have played a role.
Maj Gen Sinlert emphasised that personal health awareness and self-care among attendees remained a critical factor in preventing similar incidents.
“During last year’s event, officers arrested several individuals who attempted to smuggle drugs into the concert area. In response, police had already implemented full searches at all entry points, a measure that will remain in place for this year’s festival,” he said.
Search operations will again be conducted at every entrance, with officers coordinating closely with event organisers to block all possible channels for drugs to enter the venue, Maj Gen Sinlert said.