Phuket Considers AI System to Detect Risks and Improve Tourist Safety

Phuket officials are exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve tourist safety by identifying potential threats, issuing early warnings and helping government agencies respond more quickly to emergencies. The proposal was discussed on October 17, but no budget or implementation date has been announced.

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom met with researchers from Walailak University to discuss the proposed system, which would combine AI with large-scale data analysis. Phuket has been suggested as a pilot location for the initiative.

The platform would build on existing provincial dashboards by integrating information related to tourism, traffic, waste management and public safety.

The system would also analyse government records, reports from officials working in the field and social media discussions in multiple languages. The aim is to identify emerging risks and concerns affecting both Thai residents and international visitors.

Four levels of risk assessment

Under the proposal, a risk map would classify potential threats into four categories: low, medium, high and critical. This would help officials identify areas requiring attention and take action before situations escalate.

However, alerts generated by AI would not automatically trigger a response. Government officials would first need to verify the information before deciding what action to take.

The platform is also intended to support coordination during road accidents, natural disasters, criminal incidents and disease outbreaks. Incoming reports could be assessed and forwarded to the relevant government agencies or volunteers, with progress monitored until assistance had been provided.

The Phuket Public Relations Office confirmed that the discussions were attended by the commander of Phuket Provincial Police and representatives from transport and disaster management agencies.

Emergency services and performance assessment

A separate meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on October 16 focused on emergency medical services and inter-agency cooperation. Representatives from the National Institute for Emergency Medicine and the Association of Thai Travel Agents also attended.

Researchers proposed evaluating the system using several indicators, including the accuracy of risk detection, the speed of alerts and the usefulness of the information in emergency decision-making.

The initiative is intended to strengthen confidence in Phuket as a tourist destination. If implemented successfully, the system could eventually provide a model for improving visitor safety in other parts of Thailand.