A letter in today's Nation said something about troops being used to help control a Pattaya crime wave. What's this all about?

From Pattaya Mail, 29th December

http://www.pattayamail.com/700/news.shtml#hd2

"Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat and local officials send out nearly 900 officers, sailors and foot soldiers to curb crime in Pattaya.

Boonlua Chatree

Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat has initiated a massive program that will see military personnel on the streets along with the police in an attempt to control the burgeoning crime wave.

Under the Soldiers Help to Prevent Crime in Pattaya program, Pol Maj Gen Anant Charoenchasri, commander of Chonburi Police, General Aekanant Rattanasopha, commander of Military Police Div 14, and Rear Admiral Apirat Sriwattana, deputy commander of Sattahip Naval Base are sending out police officers, military personnel and volunteers to help prevent crime in Pattaya.

The fight against crime involves 70 foot soldiers, 70 navy personnel, 70 tourist police officers led by Pol Lt Col Wutichart Luonsukhan, 460 Pattaya police officers led by Pol Col Suthin Sappuang, commander of Pattaya Police, and 200 volunteer police officers from Tourist Police Div 4, along with Banglamung volunteers.

The program will continue for 60 days to create local and foreign tourist confidence that they and their property will be safe in Pattaya.

Other than the program, Pracha said that visitors can call for assistance 24 hours per day on 1337. He said the issue of tourists who need medical treatment as a result of crime or accident is being arranged as a matter of urgency.

Recently Chonburi and the Chonburi Red Cross in cooperation with Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn covered the medical expenses of a female Russian tourist who was shot in the back and Pattaya police are working hard to bring the culprits to justice."

They're just patrolling with the BIB's, nothing to worry about its just because its high season and there are increased numbers. I met a few the other night and there good blokes.

True, I feel safer... from the BiBs... with the troops to keep an eye on them!

Just had a policeman ride up soi post office complete with army dude on the back of the bike complete with automatic rifle, is it going to fix anything or make things worse?

Just had a policeman ride up soi post office complete with army dude on the back of the bike complete with automatic rifle, is it going to fix anything or make things worse?

Why should it make things worse? I welcome any security improvement in Pattaya. Although I never was the victim of a crime on the streets, I think it is a good thing to beef up security at night. However those guys will not prevent the rise of break ins into farang houses. That is the most disturbing thing for Pattaya region in my opinion.

After my last break in, one police officer told me, that there are nights when they have to deal with about 50 house break ins! No wonder that they will not be able to do proper investigations at such number.

Shoot to kill? Upping the ante? keep the tourists safe and the boys in the hood, Pattaya the new Rio!

Just had a policeman ride up soi post office complete with army dude on the back of the bike complete with automatic rifle, is it going to fix anything or make things worse?

Why should it make things worse? I welcome any security improvement in Pattaya. Although I never was the victim of a crime on the streets, I think it is a good thing to beef up security at night. However those guys will not prevent the rise of break ins into farang houses. That is the most disturbing thing for Pattaya region in my opinion.

After my last break in, one police officer told me, that there are nights when they have to deal with about 50 house break ins! No wonder that they will not be able to do proper investigations at such number.

Governments love to be conservative and issue travels warnings when such things occur, it could affect tourist numbers, some may just be deterred by the media of it, those living here or who know more probably wont be put off by it.

With troups deployed in Bkk and now Pattaya another deployment elsewhere could indicate positioning for another coup? I know the old governor for chonburi who is in place now after the last coup isnt so popular.

This is just possibilities but others may see it this way as well and be put off coming.

Another one If you get stopped by the police would the tea money double or would they not accept it with the current situation?

Generally a policeman (should) consider the backdrop before letting loose with their side arm, I am unsure a solider let loose on the streets will fully consider where his rounds are going to hit before firing at the badies running away from him, the firepower of a rifle round, smaller but with a longer reach compared to a police.38. I don't foresee gun fights kicking off along Pattaya's streets, I'm sure this is just for show - and probably more a case of waving the flag in the Police's face, maybe the solider's standing instruction is to shoot the police if they misbehave?