Immigration Chief Denies Offering Private Security Service

[george]

Immigration Chief denies offering private security service

PHUKET CITY: -- Phuket Provincial Immigration Office (PPIO) Superintendent Pol Col Ittipon Atchariyapradit has dismissed claims that the PPIO will launch a private security service, contrary to claims being made in an advertising flier currently being circulated on the island.

The flier claims that, “A special task force will work together with an approved Security Company in order to provide and equip homes with a fully proven alarm system which is connected to the Phuket Immigration to ensure a 24-hour security service. On the other hand another 24-hour security service also can be provided by a trained and skilled patrol special-force squad under the responsibility of Phuket Immigration.

“The project also includes the creation of a security association where members are updated on the latest developments regarding security measures and strategies. In addition, there will be the publication of a newsletter on the Immigration website. (www.phuketimmigration.go.th).”

Pol Lt Col Yod-ake Ruksasuwan, the PPIO officer involved in the project, told the Gazette, “We have a team that will patrol every member’s property at any location on the island, and we will be working with a security company that has a very good security system, so members can be sure of the security being offered.”

He added that the service will offer alarms directly linked to Phuket Immigration.

“We will be working with local police in helping us protect homes in remote areas. This project is only in Phuket. I have already submitted my project to the Phuket Immigration Office and have already been given permission,” he said.

However, Col Ittipol insisted that he knew nothing about the project and said that private security work was not Immigration’s responsibility. He stressed that the project would not directly involve the PPIO.

“Phuket Immigration’s main duties involve checking and issuing visas and permits to stay, checking vessels that enter the Kingdom, investigating aliens who might be jeopardizing the country’s stability, and general immigration administration. We have no other duties except these,” he said.

--Phuket Gazette 2007-04-25

[Tony Clifton]

One more local imm. office money making initiative like requiring plane tickets to get back in on the eastern borders?