Phuket urged to create ‘Smart Beach’ project

Pracha Asawateera, manager of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), is calling for government investment in safety technology to make Phuket’s busy beaches safer.

Pracha said: “Phuket is now in the process of upgrading beach safety by using technology called the ‘smart beach’ project. CCTV cameras will be used as part of the safety efforts. More people are enjoying Phuket’s beaches but we don’t have enough lifeguards to look after them all the time.

“We have suggested the Phuket provincial office request a Bt140 million budget for the project to install about 40 CCTV cameras at 13 beaches. If the budget is approved, it will take not more than four months to install. So we will be ready for next year’s high season. If the budget is not been approved, we will suggest the idea to other offices.

“We are now testing a CCTV system which would help lifeguards with beach safety. This technology will help lifeguards to set up swimming zones. These zones are changing all the time. Now these zones are being identified with ropes. With the new system, lifeguards will be able to monitor beachgoers on their smartphones,” Pracha added.

“We have installed a CCTV camera at Patong beach to test the system.

“If any of them are outside the safety zone or if boats are entering safety zones, the system provides a warning. Pictures and videos will be recorded as evidence. These CCTV camera are also recording during night time with heat detectors. It will immediately report anything that needs urgent attention.”

Source: www.thethaiger.com/news/phuket-officials-urged-to-push-ahead-with-smart-beach-project