Police to hold active shooter drill at Central Floresta in Wichit

Wichit Police will stage an active shooter emergency response drill at Central Floresta on the morning of June 23, with the exercise scheduled to begin at 8:30am.

The drill will involve Wichit Police officers, staff from Central Festival Phuket and Central Floresta, and other relevant agencies. Police said the operation is only a training exercise and that the general situation remains normal.

According to Wichit Police, public announcements have already been made in advance and the Phuket radio communications centre has been notified to avoid unnecessary alarm. Officers have also checked the readiness of personnel and equipment ahead of the exercise.

Police said the simulated incident will follow standard tactical procedures, beginning with an initial emergency call and continuing through securing the area and coordinating with shopping mall staff in response to an active shooter scenario.

The exercise follows a planning meeting at Wichit Police Station on June 22, when police commanders and representatives from Central Phuket reviewed emergency response procedures and coordinated the drill.

Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang said such exercises are important to make sure police, private businesses and other agencies are prepared to respond effectively to major emergencies in crowded public places.

He said training also covers other serious incidents, including hostage situations, fires in high-rise buildings and robberies at gold shops in shopping centres.

“When a real incident occurs, all parties must work together accurately, minimising errors and losses as much as possible,” Pol Col Somsak said.

He added that Wichit Police had received strong cooperation from business operators and other agencies in carrying out emergency response drills aimed at strengthening confidence in the safety of residents and tourists visiting the area.

Police again asked the public not to panic if they see an increased emergency services presence around Central Floresta during the morning, stressing that the operation is only a simulation.