Confidence sinks in handling of Phuket lifeguard crisis

Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin Patomwatthanapong (left) explains at Provincial Hall yesterday only some details of what the current situation in Phuket’s lifeguard crisis. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

PHUKET: Only seven people have applied to be directly hired by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) to work on Phuket’s beaches as lifeguards, the PPAO Acting Chief confirmed yesterday (Oct 10.)

 

Speaking to the press during the monthly Governor Meets The Press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, Mr Watcharin explained, “In total, only seven people from the Kamala Beach area have applied.”

 

However, Mr Watcharin did not clarify how many had been actually hired by the PPAO.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/confidence-sinks-in-handling-of-phuket-lifeguard-crisis-64265.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2017-10-11

The volunteer group "Trash Heroes" made up of many Farangs picks up trash all over Thailand.

 

Why not a volunteer group to pick up drowning tourists?

Good to see the media going hard at the government on this, the PPAO are making themselves look more foolish with each comment they make.

The mind boggles at the stupidity of these people and how they have absolutely no idea of what's required to be an effective BEACH lifeguard. 

 

Meanwhile, The Phuket News has independently verified that several former lifeguards at Kamala with years of experience of conducting surf safety patrols and rescues had applied to the PPAO – and been turned away.

“But we are increasing the number of positions available for the lifeguard training from 150 to 230 positions available,” Mr Watcharin noted.

“I want to double the number of lifeguards on Phuket’s beaches,” he added.

The training, to be conducted by Royal Thai Navy personnel, is now open to all people, not just officials as previously announced last week (see story here), Mr Watcharin yesterday clarified.

Asked how many officials had been signed up for the training, Mr Watcharin said, “I have no idea, yet. The deadline for registration is Oct 12 (tomorrow).”

Regardless, Mr Watcharin assured those who completed the training “would be ready to work effectively” as lifeguards.

“This is only until we draft a new contract (a government tender for a private contractor to provide lifeguard services) and open it to bids in about two or three months,” he added.

 

 

Edited October 11, 20178 yr by beechbum

Yawn.....it has been ever so with the life guards,mso what is new ?

A great solution was proposed at meetings after the Tsunami but the powers that be knew better and refused to listen, good example of Thai management.

 

Perhaps seven life guards will suffice, if smokers shun the beach. ?