The PM’s concern was relayed by Pol Lt Gen Achayon Kraithong, Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, in Phuket on Tuesday (Mar 19).
Pol Lt Gen Achayon was in Phuket for a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and other high-ranking officials, on the same day that Region 8 Police launched its campaign against foreigners illegally operating car and motorbike businesses on the island.
The PM’s concern was “because there are a lot of tourists coming in, some of whom may have behavior that violates the law”, Lt Gen Achayon said.
“Region 8 Police and Phuket Provincial Police forces have mobilised to crack down on crimes. The work performance so far is considered satisfactory, with 98 arrests and tourist visas revoked in the past six months, since October 2023. Such measures will inspire tourists who come to travel [to Phuket] to have confidence, have peace of mind, and be safe,” he said.
“The Prime Minister and the National Police Commissioner has placed emphasis on law enforcement in national tourist cities, like Phuket province,” Lt Gen Achayon said.
“It was found that there were a large number of foreigners committing crimes. Including the entry into business with Thai people as nominees.
“We must mobilise to clean this up, and to receive complaints about such activities. We must suppress those involved in illegal acts,” he added.
“There is also concern about the safety of officials in the work that brings forces to stop various incidents. That requires practice and training in the use of arrest tactics and the use of language that may be problematic.
“However, legal action and law enforcement will be taken against offenders. It will make Phuket a safe tourist city, so those who travel to Phuket are confident and choose to travel back again next time. This affects the tourism industry of Phuket Province to become stable,” Lt Gen Achayon concluded.
TOURIST POLICE
Following the PM’s expression of concern, national Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Police, Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueakum, was in Phuket yesterday (Mar 20) to lead a meeting with consuls on the island.
The aim of the meeting was to call on consuls to help share the message for foreigners to abide by the law while in Phuket, as tourists or otherwise.
In total, consuls representing 10 countries were present, namely the People’s Republic of China, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Switzerland and Spain.
At the meeting, held at Phuket Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket Town, Pol Lt Gen Saksira emphasised the importance of working with consuls.
“The goal is for the consuls of each country to be informed of the policies and security measures of the Tourist Police in order to build confidence in the security provided by the Tourist Police and the Royal Thai Police,” Pol Lt Gen Saksira said.
The meeting was also held to solicit feedback and suggestions from the consuls, Pol Lt Gen Saksira added.
“In 2024, there will be more than a million foreigners traveling into Phuket. Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimon, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, has therefore emphasised and instructed all police units to work together to prevent, suppress and eliminate foreigners who come to commit illegal acts in Thailand,” he said.
“Together we can raise the level of security and convenience to build confidence among tourists,” he said.
At the meeting, officers confirmed the slew of arrests being carried out in the campaign to crack down on foreigners engaged in illegal behaviour in Phuket.
Added to that was the arrest of Wong Tsz Kin, 31, from Hong Kong, for illegally working as a tour guide. Wong was arrested while illegal conducting a tour at the Big Buddha viewpoint.