To mark the occasion more than 310 police officers and other law-enforcement officials, as well as volunteers and rescue workers, assembled in front of Phuket Provincial Police Station at 5pm.
Joining the ceremony was Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, and Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Teerawat Liamsuwan.
Among the agencies represented were officers from Phuket Provincial Police. Region 8 Police, Phuket Immigration, Tourist Police, Marine Police, Highway Police, military personnel as well as administrative officials.
Pol Maj Gen Saranyu explained that the aim of the campaign was to target specific crimes as well as maintain peace and order, and help to reduce traffic congestion and prevent and reduce the incidence of accidents on the roads.
“Because this period is the New Year festival, there will be people returning to their hometowns and traveling to many different places, so I ask everyone to be committed, determined and perform your duties with strength and care to your full capacity according to tactical principles in operations in every step to ensure the safety of the people and tourists,” he said.
Deputy Commander Pol Col Teerawat explained that the initial stage of the nationwide campaign to ‘boost safety and security’ actually began on Dec 18 and will continue through to Wednesday (Dec 27).
During this period police are targeting general crimes, technological crimes and serving arrest warrants for outstanding cases, he said.
Holding a ceremony yesterday was “to express readiness [of officers] to perform their duties and build confidence in safety in the lives and property of citizens as well as tourists, as well as preventing the creation of unrest in the area from people with bad intentions”.