The operation was formally launched at 5pm yesterday at Phuket City Police Station. Presiding over the ceremony was Phuket Provincial Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, joined by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, police superintendents from across the island, and representatives from multiple agencies including the 3rd Naval Area Command, the 41st Military Circle, Phuket Provincial Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), and Phuket Provincial Prison.
Also in attendance were representatives from local administrative organisations, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), Phuket City Municipality, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), as well as volunteers and public sector participants — a total of about 320 personnel.
The ceremony was held to demonstrate the readiness of all agencies to maintain peace and order, and to reassure residents and visitors of their safety during the Loy Krathong celebrations across the island tonight.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert said the Royal Thai Police had ordered enhanced nationwide security measures for the festival period, with coordinated operations carried out from Oct 29 to Nov 4.
“Key targets include the suppression of illegal firearms, weapons of war, explosives, narcotics, and the arrest of wanted suspects,” he said. “Officers are also tasked with enforcing traffic measures and assisting the public and tourists participating in Loy Krathong activities.”
He emphasised that all efforts were aimed at ensuring safety and maintaining Phuket’s positive image as a leading tourism destination.
Vice Governor Adul added that all measures would be implemented “with composure, appropriateness and dignity, in keeping with the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.”