Phuket –
Authorities in Phuket have intensified efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness against potential tsunami threats, aiming to reassure tourists and safeguard local communities.
Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom was leading a comprehensive review of tsunami risk management. The initiative included on-site inspections of warning towers and evacuation signage at key beaches such as Kata, Patong, and Kamala, accompanied by senior officials, local administrators, and representatives from relevant agencies.
At Kata Beach, where three tsunami warning towers are installed, officials checked the readiness of sirens, signage, and evacuation routes. Similar inspections followed at Patong Beach and Kamala Beach, both equipped with three towers each. The review focused on the importance of maintaining clear evacuation signs, safe zones, and temporary shelters to ensure rapid response in case of emergency.
Deputy Governor Khetarat said that Phuket’s disaster readiness remains a top priority, recalling the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction. He noted that with global seismic activity intensifying, regular preparedness drills and equipment upgrades are essential.
Currently, Phuket operates 19 tsunami warning towers: 11 in Mueang District, 4 in Kathu District, and 4 in Thalang District. These towers are tested weekly by broadcasting the Thai national anthem every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. All units remain functional, but local authorities have been instructed to identify areas requiring additional installations.
Khetarat further directed district offices and municipalities to repair or replace damaged evacuation signs, expand multilingual signage for international visitors, and increase the number of safe-zone markers. He stressed that funding should be mobilized locally without waiting for central government approval, ensuring swift action.
“Phuket’s urban landscape has changed significantly since 2004, with denser communities and growing tourism. We must adapt our disaster management systems to today’s realities,” he said. “By upgrading warning infrastructure and conducting regular drills, we can build confidence among tourists and minimize losses if disaster strikes.”
