SECURITY is being improved for Phuket's Patong Carnival this year, which runs from tonight to December 20. Undercover police will mingle with the crowds in increased numbers, said Kathu Police Superintendent Colonel Arayapan Pukbuakao.

He added that security checks will take place at Patong's Loma Park, one of two venues for nightly performances. The checks will aim to prohibit weapons and glass of any kind from being carried into the spectator area.

Nightly shows at the venue will run from 2pm until midnight. At a second stage at the end of Soi Bangla, Thai culture will be on display each night with dance and music provided by Phuket secondary schools and universities.

Police patrols will also take in places where motorcycles are parked, Colonel Arayapan said.

Kathu Police Station, which oversees Patong, will be using its own team of expat aides this year through the high season. The expats will be on nightly patrols with regular police and Tourist Police from 8pm to midnight.

In the team of 18 are three Australians, two Swedes, one Briton, one Canadian, three Americans, one Russian, two Indians, one Singaporean, one German, one Swiss, one Italian and a Thai.

All will take part in tonight's Patong Carnival parade, which begins at 6pm and includes 30 floats.

Additional parking areas have been created behind the Jungceylon shopping mall and at Sainamyen School in Rat-U-Tit-200 Pi Road.