Police, military, and medical organizations practiced how they’d respond to a marine disaster with a large-scale drill at Bali Hai Pier.
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Banglamung Hospital, Pattaya Hospital, Pattaya Memorial Hospital, the Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi and Tourist police, and Marine Department officials and staff took part in the Dec. 17 drill, with representatives from Pattaya City Hall, Banglamung District Office and Tourism Authority of Thailand looking on.
Dr. Sanee Tongroj, deputy tourism and sports minister, opened the event with Chonburi Deputy Gov. Chawalit Saeng-Uthai, and ministry inspector Pasit Poomchusri.
A helicopter from Naval Base 1 demonstrates how to rescue people at sea.
The drill was held offshore from Bali Hai, with a goal of assuring tourists they are safe and secure. It served to raise awareness of boat operators as well as other vendors to learn safety standards and how to look after their customers during an accident.
The session included CPR lessons, how to contact emergency responders, and basic first aid. The navy explained when and how it will deploy rescue helicopters, and included a helicopter rescue demonstration.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports declared it will compensate families of those killed in accidents with 300,000 baht per person and give 100,000 baht for those injured. Tourists can also claim 2,000 baht a day to cover expenses incurred by remaining in Thailand past their intended departure dates due to hospitalization.
