PHUKET: Police in Patong called 300 businesspeople to a meeting yesterday to explain the need for vigilance to prevent a terror attack on Phuket.
The concept of the ''1000 eyes of the pineapple,'' using volunteers to spot unusual activity or strangers in odd places, is being revived on Phuket following last Saturday's blast in Had Yai.
Although there has never been a terrorist incident on Phuket and the ''Thailand troubles'' have always been confined to provinces hundreds of kilometres away in the dep south, Phuket police are keen to be proactive.
The meeting with Patong businesspeople, chaired by new Kathu Police Station Deputy Superintendent Colonel Akanait Danpitaksak, was followed by a campaign last night to clear Patong's footpaths of street vendors who get in the way of tourists.
Vendors were told that the next visit by police will see them arrested instead of just being warned.
Extra police have also been asigned to ensure the safety of Jewish residents and visitors marking Passover on Phuket between April 6-8.
The concept of the ''1000 eyes of the pineapple,'' using volunteers to spot unusual activity or strangers in odd places, is being revived on Phuket following last Saturday's blast in Had Yai.
Although there has never been a terrorist incident on Phuket and the ''Thailand troubles'' have always been confined to provinces hundreds of kilometres away in the dep south, Phuket police are keen to be proactive.
The meeting with Patong businesspeople, chaired by new Kathu Police Station Deputy Superintendent Colonel Akanait Danpitaksak, was followed by a campaign last night to clear Patong's footpaths of street vendors who get in the way of tourists.
Vendors were told that the next visit by police will see them arrested instead of just being warned.
Extra police have also been asigned to ensure the safety of Jewish residents and visitors marking Passover on Phuket between April 6-8.
How many people could honestly say they now what a terrorist looks like? (moderated)
Posted by Graham on April 7, 2012 19:07
Editor Comment:
Most people in villages and small communities can tell what a stranger looks like. The next question is whether that stranger is a terrorist. If you have anything to add, Graham, please do so. If you are a simple-minded scaremonger . . . I think you know where to go.