Phuket considers AI system to identify tourism safety risks

Phuket officials are considering an artificial intelligence and Big Data system to identify tourism safety risks, issue early warnings and coordinate responses across government agencies.

Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom discussed the proposal with researchers from Walailak University on 17 October 2026. The researchers presented Phuket as a pilot site for a system that would analyse government records, field reports and social media to assess emerging risks.

The proposed system would combine information on tourism, traffic, waste management, public safety and other provincial operations. It would also analyse multilingual information to identify concerns affecting international visitors.

A risk map and dashboard would classify threats as low, medium, high or critical. The system could identify early warning signs and forecast potential problems, but officials would have to verify information flagged by the AI before taking action.

Another proposed component would establish an incident command mechanism covering the reporting, assessment and handling of natural disasters, road accidents, crime and disease outbreaks. Incidents would be assigned to relevant agencies or volunteers, with responses tracked until assistance was completed.

The researchers said the approach would combine automated analysis with human oversight, leaving decisions and responses to officials acting within their authority. Proposed performance measures include the accuracy of risk detection, alert speed, the number of risks identified and the extent to which the information improves decision-making.

Police Maj Gen Surachai Suksai, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, and representatives of provincial disaster prevention, transport and other agencies attended the discussion.

A separate meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on 16 October, chaired by Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul on behalf of the Governor, also addressed emergency medical management and coordination between agencies. Representatives of the National Institute for Emergency Medicine and the Association of Thai Travel Agents attended.

The information released about the discussions did not specify an implementation timetable or budget. The stated aim is to improve responses to tourism-related risks, strengthen visitor confidence and develop a model that could be used in other Thai tourist destinations.