The operation was officially launched during a ceremony held in front of Phuket Provincial Police Station yesterday (Dec 17). The event was presided over by Region 8 Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Sittichai Lokanphai and attended by Phuket Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo, along with police, military personnel, administrative officials and civilian volunteers.
Pol Col Kitipong Klaikaew, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, said the deployment forms part of nationwide measures ordered by the Royal Thai Police to strengthen crime suppression, maintain peace and order and facilitate traffic during the peak holiday travel period.
“The primary objective is to ensure the safety of life and property for residents and tourists, while preventing criminal activity during the Christmas and New Year holidays, when large numbers of people travel and take part in celebrations,” Pol Col Kitipong said.
The integrated operation brings together officers from Phuket Provincial Police and Phang Nga Provincial Police, the Investigation Division of Police Region 8, Tourist Police Divisions 2 and 3, Phuket Immigration, the Phuket Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Marine Police Division 8, Border Patrol Police Division 42, Highway Police Division 7 and the Phuket Forensic Science Division. Military units, local administrative officials, civilian volunteers and representatives from rescue foundations are also involved.
In total, about 350 personnel have been assigned to the operation, which will focus on crime prevention and suppression, strict law enforcement, traffic control and public assistance throughout the holiday period.
During the ceremony, Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit addressed officers, urging them to carry out their duties with discipline, dedication and fairness in order to build public confidence.
He stressed the importance of strict adherence to police tactics, appropriate use-of-force guidelines and standard operating procedures, noting that effective cooperation among all agencies is essential to maintaining peace and order during the festive season.
“Security measures must be intensified to ensure safety for both Thai and foreign tourists, particularly during New Year celebrations,” he said.
Pol Lt Gen Sittichai later said that Christmas and New Year are major holiday periods marked by increased travel, large public gatherings and festive activities across Phuket, attracting significant numbers of domestic and international tourists each year.
As a result, Region 8 Police and Phuket Provincial Police have organised a focused crime suppression operation running from Dec 17-25, in line with government and Royal Thai Police policy.
At the provincial level, the Phuket Governor has instructed all relevant agencies to prioritise safety both on land and at sea. Strict checkpoints and roadblocks have been set up across key routes, while maritime safety is being overseen by the Marine Department, Vice Governor Teeraphong said.
Local administrative organisations have been tasked with fire prevention and safety measures, with police coordinating overall crime prevention and enforcement efforts.
Vice Governor Teeraphong added that the integrated approach is aimed at reducing accidents, preventing crime and ensuring that residents and visitors can celebrate the holiday season safely across Phuket.