PHUKET - Authorities in Phuket are preparing for an anti-terrorism emergency response exercise that will be staged on the tourist island later this month.
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Suwit Phansengiam, the vice-governor of the province, on Thursday chaired a meeting to prepare for the drill as part of the 2025 Crisis Management Exercise (C-MEX 25).
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Participants included security officials from various military, police and government agencies, among them the Counter Terrorist Operations Center, Third Naval Area Command and Provincial Police Region 8.
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Mr Suwit emphasised Phuket’s importance as the country’s second-largest tourism economy, warning that a lack of preparedness for terrorist incidents could seriously affect the local economy, public safety and national stability.
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As the busiest tourist destination in the region, Phuket is potentially vulnerable to terrorism, a senior security official said. The exercise aims to review and test national policies, legal frameworks and agency readiness through a table-top exercise format that promotes coordination between government and civilian sectors.
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The drill will run from June 23-27 at the Phuket Municipal Office, and at the 36th Rajaprajanugroh School in Kathu district.
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As well, tsunami emergency drills will be held from June 25-27 at the 36th Rajaprajanugroh School, Kamala Kindergarten and Kamala Beach.
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This preparation seeks to build confidence and ensure effective collaboration among officials to protect residents and visitors from potential terrorist threats and natural disasters, Mr Suwit said.