Even as they wait for funds to build a permanent center, area police and city officials plan to set up shop in temporary quarters near Walking Street to integrate services that respond to water-related accidents.
Gen. Wuthi Liptapanlop, assigned by top Royal Thai Police officials to oversee the revamp of Pattaya’s marine-safety system following an April speedboat collision that injured 18 South Korean tourists, suggested June 10 that Pattaya, Region 2, Tourist Police and City Hall officials launch services at the site of Pattaya’s former pier even before the existing Tourist Information Center is expanded. Unofficially, the launch is planned for August 12, but the date has not yet been confirmed.
Area police and city officials inspect temporary quarters near Walking Street to integrate services that respond to water-related accidents.
Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh said last month that the city does not have enough personnel or funds for the three new marine-safety centers planned. The old-pier headquarters alone, he said, will cost 500,000 baht and the city must petition the national government for a budget allocation.
Ekasingh said the center would help prepare equipment in advance of any marine accidents, respond quickly when an accident occurs and provide assistance and counseling to victims after an accident.
The deputy mayor said the city also has decided to expand its marine-protection efforts by also expanding existing tourist-information centers in front of Krua Serf restaurant and at the Soi Chaiyapruek intersection.
