Phuket CCTV vs the London model

Police Colonel Teeraphol Tipjareon

This project began last year when the then-Governor of Phuket, Udomsak Uswarangkura, allocated a budget of 16 million baht. It is expected to be in operation by the end of this month. Phuket.Com talked to a couple of senior police officers about the project.

Forty-eight CCTV cameras may not seem much, on a world scale, Police Colonel Teeraphol Tipjareon of Kathu Police station admitted. Col Teeraphol, whose area includes Patong, pointed out that in London, for example, there are millions of CCTV cameras, some installed by government agencies, but most belonging to companies or private individuals. Under British law, police may demand access to the privately-owned cameras, to view recordings. In Thailand, this is not the case; the police have no right of access to privately-owned cameras. That said, it is unlikely that anyone would refuse to cooperate with the police, Col Theeraphol says. He notes, too, that although having CCTV helps the police by giving them more “eyes”, the police cannot rely too heavily on them.

As the best-known resort area in Phuket, Patong will be the first place to get a CCTV system. Cameras will be installed in the town in places such as the road near the Amari Coral beach, at the Patong Sea Pearl junction, in front of Macdonald’s and near the football field, and also further out - at the big Chinese shrine on the Phuket-Patong road, near Safari Pub on the road to Karon and at the Panya restaurant, just beyond Kalim.

Solving traffic problems

Bangla and Rat-U-Thit Road intersection

CCTV cameras are not entirely new in Patong. In 1999, two cameras were set up at places that have particularly heavy traffic. Unfortunately, the system was rather low-tech and the cameras were not suitable for the climate. They soon broke down. Replacements also did not last long. The system being installed now is very different, Col Teeraphol explained. “We are using a new high-speed wireless CDMA2000 1X EV-DO technology which is more suitable for weather conditions here. The supplier, CAT Telecom, has given us a one-year guarantee. With this system we can cover anything within a couple of hundred meters of each camera.”

New one-way Patong traffic system

On January 15, Patong Police also introduced the new one-way traffic system. This, in combination with the cameras, should in theory ease the town’s worsening traffic although, at the moment, there is a certain amount of confusion - locals commented that the one-way system is causing traffic jams on Phra Barami Rd between the Kalim and Khok Makham intersections around 5 pm.

The police believe, however, that this is the result of people adjusting to the new system.

Security vs privacy

John Douma

The locations chosen for the new cameras are mostly busy public areas. Has this fact raised concerns about individual privacy? “So far we have had no negative comments,” says the island’s top policeman, Provincial Commander Police Major General Decha Budnampetch.

Indeed, comments to Phuket.Com about the system have been positive. For example, John Douma, a Hong Kong-based financial advisor and a frequent visitor to Phuket over the last 17 years, supports the idea wholeheartedly. “It is an important tool for detecting and reacting to problems on the island and allocating limited police resources more effectively. One example is the worsening traffic congestion with Bangkok-style traffic jams such as on Thepkrasattri Rd (from Phuket City to the airport). Also, Phuket is a family and conference destination and safety is a key factor when people are choosing a destination. With CCTV in locations such as shopping centers, hotels, airports and other tourist facilities, Phuket can sell itself as a safe, secure destination. I am astounded by the high rate of crime, particularly involving teenagers, and the presence of CCTV should act as a deterrent. CCTV has proven successful in the detection and prosecution of criminals. The benefits, from a public security point of view, outweigh any privacy concerns.”

More to come

General Decha Budnampetch

In mid-January, Gen Decha met with concerned parties such as Phuket Tourist Association President Maitree Narukatpichai to discuss the next step once the installation of all 48 cameras is complete. The police will study other areas not covered by the first phase, such as Kamala, Cherng Talay and Thalang. Once the plan has been drawn up, local government bodies will be approached for funding. In addition, if the first three locations want to add more cameras to the system, and have the budget for it, they can do so, Gen Decha said.

“We can’t get more funding from the Governor’s Office so we have to look for other sources such as local government (from local taxes) and the private sector. If they have a full understanding of the great benefits of CCTV, I’m sure that they will want to chip in. Patong Municipality has already confirmed that it wants to fund a second phase in that town, adding another 16 cameras,” the General added.

Showcase to the world

On Patong Beach front

Knowing that we are from Phuket.com, the island’s leading Internet portal, Col Teeraphol added that in future it should also be possible to use the cameras to show visitors to the website how beautiful Phuket’s beaches are.

“With the technology we now have, we can show tourists around the world how nice Phuket is - before they come here. They’ll be able to see it in real time though, of course, for security reasons, we won’t be able to show everything.”