B43m security ‘war room’ for Phuket outlined

[Lite Beer]

B43m security ‘war room’ for Phuket outlined
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan

PHUKET: Phuket is gearing up to launch a new concerted campaign to use technology to boost security on the island and, with it, tourists’ confidence about safety.

At a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Jamroen Tippayapongtada, a six-point plan with an estimated cost of B43.2 million, was sketched out. The six points are:

Much greater use of security cameras, including cameras that can zoom out to give wide views, for example of natural disasters, or zoom in to track individual incidents from as far away as two kilometres. It is estimated that 140 cameras in total will be needed.

The installation of fibre-optic cable to link cameras to an observation centre.

The setting up of a “Security War Room” (of which the observation centre will be part) with all relevant departments linked into it, and eventually members of the public.

Creation of a “real time” system to allow all departments to get up to the minute information and react swiftly to it.

Creation of a comprehensive communications network bringing together everything from the cameras to email, Internet and walkie-talkie communications.

Installation of electronic signboards to inform tourists and the public of weather conditions, emergency numbers, security advice and other useful information.

Much of the discussion centred around the need to not only source and install the equipment but also to ensure manpower to run it and funds to maintain it indefinitely are catered for.

For example, Anucha Wittayasirikul, representing phone company TOT backed the system but recommended that it not be based on the most expensive fibre optics. He pointed out that technology evolves fast, and that it would be better to buy a cheaper cable and give priority to maintenance.

Pol Col Peerayut Karajedee, representing the police agreed, noting that maintenance had been a problem in the past when the island’s CCTV system was set up.

“The first year was okay, but in the second year the system began to fail because cameras broke and it was very difficult to find the technicians to fix them. It is all about the maintenance budget.

“Another problem was wages for officials. I worry that there will not be enough people to look after the cameras for many years. A budget of maintenance and staff must be specified in the terms of reference,” Col Peerayut said.

V/Gov Jamroen agreed. “It doesn’t matter if we have magical equipment. If we don’t have the personnel to run and maintain it, then it is useless.”

The departments involved – the Provincial authorities, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the police, TOT, the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Software Industry Promotion Agency, the Provincial Planning and Analysis Department and the Provincial IT office, must all draw up plans which will be presented to Bangkok for funding.

V/Gov Jamroen concluded, “I would like to see the project make visible progress before I move out of Phuket. I don’t want people saying we are all talk and no action.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/b43m-security-%E0%B9%82%E2%82%AC%C2%98war-room%E0%B9%82%E2%82%AC%C2%99-for-phuket-outlined-41118.php

-- Phuket News 2013-07-31

[theblether]

What a state of affairs, having to start a "War Room" to protect tourists.

<deleted>.

[NamKangMan]

Seems to be a clear admission that Phuket has a crime problem.

If all of this is properly implemented, and I doubt it will be, it may well be a case of too little - too late.

[laurentbkk]

Is Phuklet in war ? sounds really serious ... Or is it to have a better control on what tourists are doing ?

[Baerboxer]

Is Phuklet in war ? sounds really serious ... Or is it to have a better control on what tourists are doing ?

It's a great way to build a big budget up - cost of equipment, maintenance budgets, extra staffing budgets.

Do you think the money will be wisely, transparently and judicially spent on establishing an excellent CCTV based law enforcement operation? One that will ensure tourists are protected and safe?

Maybe a look at some of the more fundamental aspects of police work would be a good start.

[eezergood]

Is Phuklet in war ? sounds really serious ... Or is it to have a better control on what tourists are doing ?

It's a great way to build a big budget up - cost of equipment, maintenance budgets, extra staffing budgets.

Do you think the money will be wisely, transparently and judicially spent on establishing an excellent CCTV based law enforcement operation? One that will ensure tourists are protected and safe?

Maybe a look at some of the more fundamental aspects of police work would be a good start.

How DARE YOU!

thats someones retirement fund in graft right there!

[hercdogules]

Is Phuklet in war ? sounds really serious ... Or is it to have a better control on what tourists are doing ?

That's awesome, so make it a more streamlined process to monitor and pounce on unsuspecting tourists. That way the BIB can monitor that they recieve full "credit" from the the pounce-rs...

[thhMan]

Wouldnt it just be easier to use the police to lockup the pricks that ruin it... Start with the tuk tuk guys and work down from that....

Using technology is just an excuse to waste money and prolong the agony....

[eezergood]

They cant even enforce the parking for locals/tourists! How do you ecxpect them to sort anything???? Try to park at ine of the beaches in this Island!

[jmccarty]

I am often amused by the Bht figures reported as either needed for something or lost in goverment revenue such as the luxury car importing scandal.

This one esentailly calls for equiv. of US$9,853 to purchase 1 of the 140 cameras, wire it up, build a command centre and man that plus maintain it for an indefinite period.. Ok, just call it for a year. That's $821/month budget per camera or $27/day each. That will get a very high standard of camera, cable system and command centre plus manpower to support it in 1960!

Edited July 31, 2013 by jmccarty

[RigPig]

All I can say is <deleted> !!!

[Neilly]

PHUKET: Phuket is gearing up to launch a new concerted campaign to use technology to boost security on the island and, with it, tourists’ confidence about safety.

Maybe I'm missing the point...why not arrest the bad guys....pretty sure they're well known

[waza]

Sounds like another rort to me

[hellodolly]

Is Phuklet in war ? sounds really serious ... Or is it to have a better control on what tourists are doing ?

It's a great way to build a big budget up - cost of equipment, maintenance budgets, extra staffing budgets.

Do you think the money will be wisely, transparently and judicially spent on establishing an excellent CCTV based law enforcement operation? One that will ensure tourists are protected and safe?

Maybe a look at some of the more fundamental aspects of police work would be a good start.

How DARE YOU!

thats someones retirement fund in graft right there!

Your comment sucks unfortunately the only fault in it is that it is going to set up more than one retirement fund.