The Disaster Relief Center is
staffed with officers 24 hours a day, ready to help.
Warunya Thongrod
A network of closed-circuit television cameras and
radio-dispatch centers are helping police keep Pattaya safer.
The Pattaya Disaster Relief and Mitigation Department
opened its command center last year, allowing staff to monitor cameras
centered around eight areas: Lan Po Public Park, the Nong Yai neighborhood,
Wuthichot School, Soi Sukhumvit 34, the Pattaya city borders, Bali Hai Pier,
the Lan Po Market and Pattaya School No. 8.
According to the department, the busiest areas are at
Walking Street Soi 14 and either end of Soi Buakaow. The most dangerous
areas, however, are the Thepprasit housing projects, Lan Po Market, New
Naklua market and Bali Hai clock tower area.
In the future, the department plans to work with the
Srikham Radio Station to improve response times to crimes and accidents.
City hall’s Maj. Gen. Jeerawat Sukhonzup said the CCTV
control room focuses on helping people with issues involving everything from
crimes to minor transportation problems.
In addition, he said, the Pattaya and Thappraya
civil-defense volunteer networks are now broadcasting news to help residents
learn of problems or the progress in resolving issues.
Department staffer Thanadda Sukhsaket said she joined the
control room team to help Pattaya reduce crimes and accidents.
“Even though I have worked for only a couple of months, I
feel happy to be helping people,” she said, recalling how a camera helped
her locate a man who called for help after he ran out of gas.
The Disaster Relief Center can be contacted around the
clock through the city call center at 1337 or directly at 038-042-866-7 ext.
17.
