Protecting tourists is no longer just a job for Pattaya’s police and fire department. In 2019, it involves nearly every sector of the city and provincial government.
Komkrit Polwichid, head of the Pattaya Peace and Security Maintenance’s Special Operations Unit, spoke to the Pattaya Mail Nov. 15 about the multi-agency approach to disaster prevention and response.
With the advent of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, even a single incident can damage a city’s tourism business. Whereas 10 or 20 years ago authorities were content to have police, marine rescue or firefighters handle problems, now it involves administrators and technical experts.
Komkrit said Pattaya focuses on prevention first, keeping every forward-facing organization connected through communication systems and technology. The hope is to prevent accidents or mitigate disasters before they get out of control.
Of course, he acknowledged, it’s impossible to prevent every accident or disaster and, in that case, Pattaya and Chonburi have brought integrated personnel, equipment and technology from the city government, Banglamung District and the province to respond to accidents and disasters.
The Tourist Assistance Centers on Pattaya and Jomtien Beach are the first point of contact for visitors or those with problems. From there, Komkrit said, authorities can coordinate responses and carry out action plans.
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