PHUKET: All Phuket resorts are likely to be invited to a safety summit on August 10 to discuss ways of improving security camera coverage of the entire island.
The meeting - first of its kind - also represents an ideal opportunity to discuss the part all of Phuket's resorts can play in cutting the number of drownings at Phuket beaches.
In terms of safety and security, both camera coverage and warnings about sea conditions are the most obvious ways that Phuket resorts can save lives and protect their guests beyond each individual resort's boundaries.
The meeting will be organised by the Thai Hotels Association (Southern Branch) for August 10 and probably held at Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa, on Patong's beachfront.
Last month's murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on Phuket was a rare and random tragedy. Her death has served to highlight the part security cameras can play in preventing further attacks.
If a central Phuket camera system had enabled police to see motorcycle riders doubling back more than once to check out their targets, it may have been possible to quickly alert local resort security or a police motorcycle patrol.
Security camera footage played a key part in tracing the alleged killers, and it could have been even more effective if the quality of the footage was better.
Several resort owners have since acknowledged that they can and should play their part in crime prevention on Phuket.
The concept of the entire community working towards reducing risks also applies to drownings.
Seven people drowned at Phuket beaches in just a few weeks as the south-west monsoon swept in during May and June, making Phuket's beaches dangerous at times.
Phuket's lifeguards have acknowledged that they do not have the manpower to prevent holidaymakers swimming in dangerous conditions.
The lifeguards have suggested that they need the help of resort staff to warn guests on check-in about the potential for dangers in the water.
The August 10 summit of Phuket resorts is shaping as an opportunity to coordinate a community approach to crime and danger that will make Phuket an outstandingly safe destination for years to come.
The meeting - first of its kind - also represents an ideal opportunity to discuss the part all of Phuket's resorts can play in cutting the number of drownings at Phuket beaches.
In terms of safety and security, both camera coverage and warnings about sea conditions are the most obvious ways that Phuket resorts can save lives and protect their guests beyond each individual resort's boundaries.
The meeting will be organised by the Thai Hotels Association (Southern Branch) for August 10 and probably held at Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa, on Patong's beachfront.
Last month's murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on Phuket was a rare and random tragedy. Her death has served to highlight the part security cameras can play in preventing further attacks.
If a central Phuket camera system had enabled police to see motorcycle riders doubling back more than once to check out their targets, it may have been possible to quickly alert local resort security or a police motorcycle patrol.
Security camera footage played a key part in tracing the alleged killers, and it could have been even more effective if the quality of the footage was better.
Several resort owners have since acknowledged that they can and should play their part in crime prevention on Phuket.
The concept of the entire community working towards reducing risks also applies to drownings.
Seven people drowned at Phuket beaches in just a few weeks as the south-west monsoon swept in during May and June, making Phuket's beaches dangerous at times.
Phuket's lifeguards have acknowledged that they do not have the manpower to prevent holidaymakers swimming in dangerous conditions.
The lifeguards have suggested that they need the help of resort staff to warn guests on check-in about the potential for dangers in the water.
The August 10 summit of Phuket resorts is shaping as an opportunity to coordinate a community approach to crime and danger that will make Phuket an outstandingly safe destination for years to come.
