The arrest of the unnamed Canadian national was reported by Patong Police Station today (Apr 20). According to the report, a 41-year-old suspect was apprehended at an apartment building or hotel on Thaweewong Rd, commonly known as Patong Beach Road. Seized from the man were two ecstasy pills and 0.3 grams of cocaine.
The man was taken to Patong Police Station and charged with illegal possession of a category 1 drug (ecstasy) and a category 2 drug (cocaine).
Details about the circumstances of the arrest remain undisclosed, but the list of seized evidence includes “two copies of Thai government banknotes (used in luring a purchase).”
The Canadian man’s arrest occurred on the same day a high-profile delegation from Bangkok visited Phuket for inspection. Led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the delegation included Deputy Commissioner (Acting Commissioner now) of the Royal Thai Police Gen Kitirath Panphet; Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Lt Gen Thatchai Pitanilabutr; and Commissioner of the Tourist Police Lt Gen Saksira Phueakam.
PM Srettha and the accompanying police generals visited the Region 8 Police Headquarters in Mai Khao to be briefed on four main areas of law enforcement efforts, as listed on the Royal Thai Government website:
Illegal Drugs: During the six months from October 2023 through March 2024, Region 8 Police charged 13,591 suspects for drug-related crimes and seized property worth B800 million, which constitutes “60.28% of the set target.”
Gambling: The report mentioned two major operations in Nakhon Sri Thammarat and a raid on a gambling den in Phuket Town, resulting in the arrest of 32 offenders. Raids on two foreign poker clubs in January and March were not mentioned.
Loan Sharks: According to the report, 3,532 “informal debt” cases were opened, and disputes over B154 million were settled.
Foreign Crimes in Phuket: Specifically in Phuket, police have arrested 748 foreign nationals for various crimes since Oct 1, 2023. In 98 cases, foreigners have seen their permissions to stay in the Kingdom revoked.
Speaking at the Region 8 Police Headquarters, PM Srettha thanked law enforcers for their strong performance and urged them to further ramp up their efforts in fighting crime.
“Do not let foreign mafia settle down in your area of responsibility and destroy the investment attractiveness of the region. Ask local officials and politicians to keep an eye on foreigners. Do not let misbehaving foreigners destroy your credibility,” PM Srettha added.
“Nowadays, society places more importance on the issue of foreign businesspeople coming to operate in the area illegally. Please ramp up the inspections and do your job with tourism confidence in mind. I am specifically entrusting you to deal with those ‘big people’ demonstrating mafia behavior. Don’t limit your effort to catching small fish only. The law must be enforced correctly, fairly, and strictly,” he added.