A few month ago they spend millions of baths for staff and trainings, so what's happen, where are they !!?? U even didn't publish my message saying that the amount was too high for that purpose!

Editor: I don't recollect your message. The tender was for a specific period, ending in mid-November. Isn't the problem caused by too much concern for money, and not enough about people's lives? How much is too much to reduce the drownings?

Posted by Jean-Paul Patrick on January 8, 2010 12:42

It's all very good family members calling for a boycott of Phuket until beach safety is improved but what about the people who blatantly ignore warning flags when they are posted. When they get into trouble they put the lives of others at risk as well as themselves.

Editor: Certainly. That's why resorts need to become proactive in warning their guests, why it's a mistake to pretend the monsoon season is a good time for a beach holiday, and why a concerted approach is required to protect tourists and the island's reputation.

Posted by Mister Ree on January 8, 2010 13:36

It would be interesting to know if this tender is open to non-Thais. Or is it a job that 'only Thais are allowed to do'?

Posted by Simon Luttrell on January 8, 2010 14:18

the application process for the new tender should have begun before the previous one ran out.. thus as one contract ends the new contract begins.. no need to remove equipment, etc.

Posted by another steve on January 8, 2010 14:25

Further to my last comment re the lifeguard tender, this could be a good opportunity for dedicated people (Expat and Thai) to work together to provide a professional lifeguard service. Where was this invitation to tender published? This tender should not be restricted by the nationality of the lifeguard, but should be open to all nationalities who can provide the provision of lifeguard service.

Posted by Simon Luttrell on January 8, 2010 14:51

@simon luttrell: Yes. Why not a system like the tourist police. Officals with the help of volunteers.

Start with preventing dangerous situation. Get out the word! Someone should start/promote a Phuket Beach Wiki, where people with knowledge can share their wisdom about the beaches, the specific situations at the beach, its history of danger, how to know it is a rip, what to do if you are in one etc. Translations shouldn't be a problem.

I am sure, spreading this knowledge will help. Certify some Thai/Expats for becoming a beach guide, give them a shirt and let them walk the beach to give advise and hand out some graphics on paper about the HOW-TO in that paritcular beach. Give them a honorary club of some sort.

You wait for the government, you may die. So why not get the local resorts (like the business of the year) on board to provide funds for a honorary lifeguard and drowning prevention center.

And maybe there are even people willing to help doing the real lifeguarding.

"...While some people are capable of advising when and where to swim, they have no rescue equipment."

It is sad if this resource is wasted.

Posted by Lena on January 8, 2010 20:58

Oh for heavens sake....the solution is staring you lot right in the face. Use those highly dedicated Jet Ski operators to patrol the beaches??? they are already there and they can then charge the local adm. for the 1-2 hr use of their jet ski (+ damages of course) and this may help their image in the public's eye........done and dusted. :)
Tom

Posted by Tom Jones ( no relation) on January 8, 2010 21:14

There is not only the issue about Beach life guards which the 5P roules apply in Phuket.
5P - Rule:
Propper
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance
Is there anybody who can translate this into Thai-language?

Posted by Richi on January 8, 2010 22:17