Speaking to The Phuket News, tourist police inspector Pol Lt Col Urumporn KoonDejsumrit said, “It has been decided to increase the number of bike patrol officers so that they can be more accessible.
“At present, we have four main bike patrol officers who are sometimes accompanied by volunteer tourist police, and these officers usually visit tourist sites such as Chalong Temple, Promthep Cape and Phuket Old Town where there are a high number of tourists.
“The reaction from the tourists and locals has been great as they can have direct contact with the officers. It also promotes the island̕s tourism image and is great exercise for the officers,” he said.
Chief of the Tourist Police Bike Patrol Unit, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Eitipat Promchiya added, “We haven't had to deal with any incidents yet but I want it to happen so that we know how to react.
“However, because the bike patrol officers are new to Phuket people have paid more attention to them.”
Lt Col Urumporn went on to explain that bike patrol officers all have the same equipment as other other officers so that they are able to deal incidents just as normal officers would.
But he stated that he would like to see cyclist volunteers join with his unit, and that if they see any problems they can be in direct contact with the tourist police.
“My plan is to increase our efficiency by persuading bike club members to be our partner. If they see any tourist in trouble they can inform us.
“Because our unit is small we are unable to cover all areas. I think if we have more volunteers our efficiency will increase,” he said.