Governor Sophon joined Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum at a press conference held at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters in Phuket Town yesterday (Mar 18).
Also present for the press conference were Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Teerawat Liamsuwan along with senior officers from Phuket Immigration and Phuket Tourist Police
The press conference was held to clarify the case involving New Zealand brothers Hamish and Oscar Day, 36 and 38. In the altercation, beside Chao Fa West Rd in Chalong last Saturday (Mar 16), one of the men wrestled the police officer to the ground and removed his handgun.
“As a result of the incident, legal action has been taken. Strict action must be taken against foreigners who commit crimes in the area,” Governor Sophon said.
“Foreigners traveling into Phuket must respect the law, and promote a good image of tourism,” he added.
“As for the Phuket Provincial Office, a letter will be sent to the New Zealand consul in Thailand to report the behaviour of the New Zealanders who caused the incident. However, the Phuket Provincial Office has a meeting with consuls every two months, during which we ask for the consuls’ cooperation to help publicise to foreign tourists from all countries to follow the laws of Thailand so that they can travel and stay in Phuket happily,” Governor Sophon said.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert added, “Police officers are to enforce the law regarding offenders in all areas ‒ be they Thais or foreigners, to promote the tourism image of Phuket Province to be peaceful and orderly.”
Maj Gen Sinlert also noted that since Oct 1 last year, 95 foreigners had been deported by having their permit to stay revoked.
The foreigners deported comprised 41 Chinese, 28 Myanmar nationals, eight Russians, five Indians, three Australians, two Moroccans, two British nationals and five “others”
The offences ranged from attempted murder (one case), resisting arrest and obstructing an officer (six cases), theft (six cases) and 23 convictions for drugs.
Maj Gen Sinlert also pointed out that charges will be filed against car and motorbike rental shops that allow people without a license to drive their cars and motorbikes. The penalty is a fine of up to B2,000, he said.