Phuket resort to improve security in public areas
The Thai luxury resort where murdered Australian travel agent Michelle Smith was staying has stepped up security including its own staff and neighbourhood patrol.
Ms Smith was on a fam trip to the Katathani Phuket Beach resort in Phuket when she was attacked and killed by robbers in the street on her way back to the resort in Kata Noi bay.
Police have arrested a suspect identified as 34-year-old Surin Taptong, in relation to the murder.
A reward of 300,000 baht – more than £6000 – had been put up by provincial police officials and the owner of the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.
Police sources said the CCTV footage had identified a portion of the Honda Dream 100 cc motorbike’s four digit number plate.
The luxury five star resort has taken its own action to improve security for guests.
In addition to its existing security patrols and CCTV cameras, police patrols are monitoring the area.
The resort is also working with the local government to install a permanent security station in the public road, add more public- area CCTV cameras and introduce a neighbourhood watch and staff patrol.
A spokesman said: "Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the Australian guest, Ms. Smith who was the victim of a tragic incident on the street heading to Kata Noi bay.
"This issue has been raised to a national matter and every effort has been put in place by the government to ensure the culprits are brought to justice.
It added that the incident involving British man, Mohamad Zubair Edwa who reported he was stabbed by men on motorbikes hours later in a separate incident happened a thirty minute drive away.
It is uncertain the two incidents were connected.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is located on Kata Noi bay which is one of the quieter parts of Phuket, away from the more established resorts of Karon and Patong.
The Katathani resort management added: "We would like to assure everyone that our resort premises are safe and have been without any serious incident for the 20 years we have been open.
"With these added precautions our guests may rest assured that everything possible is being done to guarantee security of all public areas near the resort."
By Diane Evans
Diane
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