PHUKET'S new police headquarters was officially opened in Phuket City today before an audience of VIPs, and with monks chanting for good fortune.
The new location on Yaowarat Road makes the hq harder to miss. Once the Tourist Police hq opens just metres away, this part of Phuket City will become the island's problem-solving centre.
Security cameras around the island especially are likely to all be viewed from here, via a new screening room on the third floor.
Among the VIPs today were the island's leading politicians, both national and local, Phuket's Chief Justice, Varangkana Sujaritkul, and leading resort owners who have long recognised the importance of tourist safety and security.
Overseeing proceedings in uniform were the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, and the Phuket Police Chief, Major General Pekad Tantipong.
About 150 officers from the island's total force took part in the proceedings.
The new building should boost morale and make policing less of a hardship. But what's still needed is an increase in police numbers.
The Governor and the Police Chief readily acknowledge that 1160 officers are not enough for the island's proper protection, especially when visiting tourists swell the population to about one million in any high season month.
The governor's ''1000 eyes of the pineapple'' local vigilante system helps, along with 32 tourist police and 20 volunteers.
Security cameras are also useful at times, but nothing is more effective than more officers on the beat. A handsome new building is there now to accommodate the extra officers.
The head of a Phuket resort group believes it's time for a more measured and honest approach to Phuket's future that preserves the good and deals with the bad.
Phuket jet ski owners are accused of trying to extort money from tourists, and some tourists in turn attempt scams of their own. Take the latest case involving five Israelis.
The governor's new environmental approvals committee checks out the Taj Exotica and the Novotel Kamala sites, with Phuketwan for company.
Chat rooms resound with expats who wish Thailand was different. Marko Cunningham's experience during the tsunami and beyond helps explain why change is unlikely.
The case against four men charged with murder took a surprise turn yesterday when police were presented with a video of the Patong killing.
One expat woman has been raped and another narrowly escaped in separate sex attacks on Phuket within 24 hours. Police are not sure whether one man or two is involved.
Entranced warriors will need ID cards that also list the names of invading spirits for this year's Phuket Vegetarian Festival. For the first time, the gods will have to be registered.
A handsome new building with no new officers. All form and no substance, just like many things in Phuket. What is the point if there are no new officers?
Is this building going to help them catch the violent rapist who raped a woman in Nai Harn?
Posted by VFaye on October 13, 2009 14:17