Phuket officials plan upgrade to early childhood development centres

Phuket officials are moving ahead with a project to raise standards at early childhood development centres across the province, following a review meeting at Provincial Hall late last week.

The meeting was chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam as part of progress checks under the Phuket Provincial Child and Youth Development Action Plan. It was attended by Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Officer Sukanya Pho-kaew, members of the Phuket Provincial Child Protection Committee, government agency representatives and relevant experts.

Officials received updates on the operation of private childcare centres and children’s shelters, along with progress on the early childhood development centre standards project. The programme is currently being piloted at the Ban Bang Khonthi Early Childhood Development Centre in Rawai.

If the pilot is successful, officials expect to expand the project to centres in Kathu and Thalang districts.

The meeting also reviewed draft road safety measures aimed at reducing risks to children and young people. Proposed steps include promoting 100% helmet use among young riders and reinforcing regulations that prohibit people from driving without a valid licence.

Participants also discussed ways to increase parental involvement in childcare and child development programmes.

Another issue under consideration was a draft set of welfare protection measures for children attending festivals, concerts and other large public events. The proposed rules would require organisers to carry out strict age screening, ban children under 18 from remaining at events after 10pm and provide designated safe areas for young attendees.

Organisers would also be required to assign staff to supervise child welfare issues and coordinate with relevant agencies to prevent activities that could harm the wellbeing of children and youth.

Provincial officials said the measures are part of broader efforts in Phuket to improve child protection standards and create safer environments for children and young people in communities and at public events across the island.