Joining the police commanders for their visit was Pol Maj Gen Phopphon Chakkaphak, Commander of Tourist Police Division 3.
Pol Lt Gen Saksira explained that national police commander Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimon had recently held a meeting with the top-ranking officers of the Tourist Police and the Immigration Bureau to devise strategies to instill confidence among tourists while ensuring the integrity of Thailand’s tourism sector.
With the implementation of visa-free measures as per government policy, Thailand has seen a significant influx of tourists, with Phuket alone expecting over a million foreign visitors in 2024, Pl Lt Gen Saksira said.
In response, Pol Gen Torsak had emphasised the importance of collective action among all police units to prevent and suppress any illegal activities perpetrated by foreigners in the country, he added.
Pol Lt Gen Saksira, Pol Maj Gen Manat and Pol Maj Gen Phopphon met at 3pm yesterday to outline policies and guidelines for seamless collaboration between the Tourist Police Headquarters and the Immigration Bureau. The focus was on inspecting and cracking down on foreigners engaged in illicit activities within Phuket Province, said an official report of the visit.
At 5pm, the police commanders were joined by Li Chenglong, Head of the Office of the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Phuket and Vice Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, and Thanakorn Musiktham, Advisor to the Honorary Consul of Mongolia for Phuket and Phang Nga, to discuss methods to ensure the welfare of tourists.
The commanders also visited the Soi Rommanee and Thalang Rd areas of Phuket Old Town, where they spoke with tourists to help build confidence in their security.
The commanders also strongly promoted the Tourist Police hotline 1155, which provides 24-hour, multi-language support for tourists in need of assistance.
ANUTIN TO ARRIVE
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to arrive in Phuket today (Mar 14) for an overnight stay on the island.
After arriving at 3:15pm, Deputy PM Anutin is to join a meeting at Phuket International Airport, followed by an Interview with the media at the airport at 4:15pm.
At 5:35pm, DPM Anutin is to meet tourists, business owners and local residents at Kamala Beach.
At 10pm, DPM Anutin is to join a briefing at the tourist security system ‘Command and Control Center’ at the Bangla police box Patong, then tour the busy nightlife street
Deputy PM Anutin is to spend the night on Phuket before flying back to Bangkok at 10am tomorrow (Mar 15).