Thailand sees rise in criminal activities by foreigners

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

The Thai government has made it a priority to tackle the notable rise in criminal activities by foreigners, which has negatively impacted the nation’s tourism reputation.

In response, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to devise strategies and enforce measures to surveil and apprehend foreign lawbreakers.

The RTP recently convened meetings to strategize and execute initiatives against foreign offenders, with a focus on the Phuket Provincial Police Region.

Since October 1st, 2023, police efforts have led to 614 arrests for a variety of crimes, including illegal employment and offenses related to sex.

Addressing crimes committed by foreigners is of paramount importance to the Royal Thai Police, with significant cases being referred to the Immigration Bureau for potential visa cancellation.

Furthermore, comprehensive operations have been launched to eradicate such criminal activities, aiming to refurbish the tourism sector’s image and bolster the security perception among visitors. (NNT)

[reader]

From The Thaiger

Egyptian man damages Phuket taxi in violent outburst

An Egyptian traveller was taken into protective custody at a hospital following a violent outburst which caused significant damage to a taxi in Bang Tao, Phuket, yesterday.

The taxi driver, 53 year old Suriya Plodmai reported to the police that he had picked up the 31 year old Egyptian national, Basem Aly Ismail, from the Patong area and was ferrying him to Bang Tao, with the fare agreed at 450 baht. Upon reaching the destination, Ismail borrowed Suriya’s mobile phone to make a call to a friend. However, after using the phone, he refused to return it to the driver.

In a sudden fit of anger, the Egyptian smashed the borrowed phone onto another phone that the taxi driver was holding, resulting in both devices, a Xiaomi 12 and a Samsung A54, being damaged. The rage did not end there. Ismail then used an iron rod to vandalise the taxi cab. The damage included a shattered windshield, broken windows, and a damaged rear windshield, with additional damage to surrounding areas of the vehicle.

Emergency services from Cherng Talay Municipality arrived at the scene and took the Egyptian, who was still in an agitated state, to Thalang Hospital. Later, he was transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, reported Phuket News.

 

[vinapu]

sun must be too strong there in Phuket and it looks that it's only matter of time some serious tragedy involving foreigners will happen. Perhaps some well installed gallows with dangling plastic body will cool the tempers ?