The anti-crime blitz launched yesterday will continue through to this coming Sunday (Nov 26). Loy Krathong will be celebrated throughout the country next Monday (Nov 27). No explanation was given for the official date for the campaign ending one day before the nationwide festival is celebrated.
The campaign involves all police across the island, as well as the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor) personnel and officials from local government agencies, said an official report of the campaign launch.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, was present for the occasion, as were officers and personnel from the Royal Thai Navy Third Command, based at Cape Panwa, as well as soldiers from 42nd Military Circle and officials from the .. Phuket Provincial Office of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), which serves as the political arm of the Thai military.
In total, 315 officers,officials and military and security personnel were present at the assembly yesterday to mark the start of the campaign.
“All departments have the intention to take care of safety for the public and tourists during the Loy Krathong Festival 2023 to the best of their abilities in order to strengthen the good image of tourism for Phuket Province, according to government policy,” Maj Gen Nipon said.
“In many areas, Loy Krathong festival activities have been organised for the year 2023 to preserve, perpetuate and promote the beautiful and valuable traditions of Thailand,” he continued.
“There may be citizens and tourists participating in the Loy Krathong activities,. floating krathong along the rivers and canals and traveling to places where the Loy Krathong festivities are being held, such as light and sound shows, or a large number of candle-burning and fire-playing ceremonies,” he said.
“This can cause traffic problems and problems with crime, trouble and nuisance, and the dangers that arise from playing with pyrotechnics, fireworks, firecrackers and flying lanterns [khom loy], as well as the possibility that criminals may sneak in and do harm to property at various event venues,” Maj Gen Nipon added.
“In order to take care of the safety of citizens and tourists, the Royal Thai Police has therefore established various measures, including crime prevention measures, measures to prevent danger from firecrackers and pyrotechnics, crime suppression measures, measures to maintain peace and order in the [festival] areas, and measures to facilitate traffic, and public relations measures, in addition to mobilising [officers] to eradicate crimes all over the country between Nov 20-26,” he said.
“This is to express readiness to provide safety to citizens and tourists, as well as to strengthen confidence and a good image of Phuket’s tourism during during the Loy Krathong festival in the year 2023,” Maj Gen Nipon concluded.