Phuket Installs AI Cameras for Security and Traffic Control — First Phase Tested

PHUKET — Phuket Province reported progress in deploying an intelligent CCTV system (AI) to detect unusual incidents and manage traffic across the island. The Phuket Provincial Police said the first phase of installations has already been completed at several key locations to enhance surveillance, prevent crime, and address chronic congestion.

The project, part of the province’s public safety plan, is designed to connect with a central control center, the provincial police, and municipal agencies. The AI system can detect risky behaviors in real time — such as illegal parking, suspicious persons, traffic congestion, and accidents — and immediately send alerts to officers for investigation.

Officials said the main goals are to reduce response times for emergency responders and police and to improve traffic management in tourist areas such as Phuket Town, Patong Beach, and major roads linking the airport. The system also supports license plate recognition to help track vehicles involved in crimes or repeat traffic violations.

Although the project has been welcomed by many, community members and tourists have expressed concerns about privacy and data collection. Mayors and local leaders have called for clear regulatory frameworks, including personal data protections, restrictions on access to images and information, and limits on how long footage is retained to prevent violations of citizens’ rights.

The impact on residents and local businesses is expected to include both benefits and adjustments. On the positive side, people may feel safer and tourists may be reassured by modern security measures, which would benefit Phuket’s tourism image. In practice, however, small vendors and local minivan drivers may need to change parking and driving habits to comply with regulations and avoid fines or detection by the system.

The provincial police said they will evaluate the system during the trial period and continuously gather public feedback, including holding public forums to explain how data will be used and what privacy safeguards will be in place. If the tests are positive, the next phase is expected to expand installations to cover more tourist areas and beachfront communities, affecting long-term traffic planning and safety management across Phuket.