Increased Phuket Patrols Get Us Equipment

[george]

Increased Phuket patrols get US equipment

PHUKET: -- Tourism police in Phuket have received two sets of explosives detection devices from the US government that will be used in constant inspections at places frequented by tourists.

Major Bundit Khaosutham said that in the wake of the Bali bombing earlier this month, police had begun round-the-clock patrols of Phuket's popular tourist spots, especially Patong Beach. Peak patrolling hours are between 6 pm and 1 am.

Police patrols in other areas of the island have also doubled as a result of greater cooperation between police and government offices.

One set of the US equipment comprises one explosives scanner, a mobile mirror for inspection underneath vehicles and a torch, Bundit said.

--The Nation 2005-10-15