The exercise is scheduled to begin at 8:30am and will involve Wichit Police officers, staff from Central Festival Phuket and Central Floresta, and other relevant agencies. Police have stressed that the drill is only a training exercise and that the general situation remains normal.
According to Wichit Police, advance public announcements have been made and the Phuket radio communications centre has been notified to prevent unnecessary concern. Officers have also checked the readiness of personnel and equipment ahead of the exercise.
The simulated incident will follow standard police tactical procedures, from the initial emergency call through to securing the area and coordinating with shopping mall staff in responding to an active shooter scenario.
The drill follows a planning meeting held at Wichit Police Station yesterday afternoon (June 22), where police commanders and representatives from Central Phuket reviewed emergency response procedures and coordinated the exercise.
Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang said such exercises are essential to ensure police, private businesses and other agencies are prepared to respond effectively to major emergencies in crowded public places.
He noted that training covers a range of serious incidents, including active shooters, hostage situations, fires in high-rise buildings and robberies at gold shops in shopping centres.
“When a real incident occurs, all parties must work together accurately, minimising errors and losses as much as possible,” Pol Col Somsak said.
He added that Wichit Police had received strong cooperation from business operators and other agencies in conducting emergency response drills aimed at strengthening public confidence in the safety of residents and tourists visiting the area.
Police reiterated that tomorrow’s operation is only a simulated exercise and asked the public not to panic if they notice an increased emergency services presence around Central Floresta during the morning.