Phuket Strengthens Tsunami Preparedness at Major Tourist Beaches

Phuket authorities are stepping up preparations for a potential tsunami, with a renewed focus on warning systems, evacuation routes and emergency facilities at some of the province’s busiest beaches. The measures are intended to strengthen protection for both local communities and the large number of tourists visiting the island.

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom led a comprehensive review of the province’s tsunami preparedness system. The inspection included visits to warning towers and evacuation infrastructure at Kata, Patong and Kamala beaches, with senior officials, local administrators and representatives of relevant agencies taking part.

At Kata Beach, officials inspected three tsunami warning towers, checking the condition of sirens, evacuation signs and designated routes. Similar checks were later carried out at Patong and Kamala beaches, which also have three warning towers each. Particular attention was given to keeping evacuation signs clearly visible, identifying safe areas and ensuring that temporary shelters can be used quickly if an emergency occurs.

Deputy Governor Khetarat stressed that disaster preparedness remains a major priority for Phuket. He referred to the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004, which killed thousands of people and caused extensive destruction across the region. Against the backdrop of continuing seismic activity around the world, he said regular emergency exercises and timely upgrades to warning infrastructure are essential.

Phuket currently has 19 tsunami warning towers across the province. Eleven are located in Mueang District, while Kathu and Thalang districts have four towers each. The systems are tested every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. by broadcasting the Thai national anthem. Officials confirmed that all existing towers are operational, while local authorities have been asked to assess locations where additional warning towers may be needed.

Khetarat also instructed district offices and municipalities to inspect evacuation signs and repair or replace those that have been damaged. Authorities were urged to add more multilingual signs for international visitors and increase the number of clearly marked safe zones. He also stressed that local funding should be used 98where possible rather than waiting for approval from the central government, allowing improvements to be made more quickly.

“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.”