Thai authorities have acted decisively in response to a sexual assault case involving a 24-year-old German backpacker in Koh Chang, Trat province, to protect the country’s tourism reputation and reassure travelers. The incident, which garnered widespread media coverage, has spurred action from various governmental agencies.

 

Pol Col Sarawut Tankul, Deputy Commander of Tourist Police Division 1, stated that following a conclusive court decision against the accused, the Tourist Police are working with local law enforcement and various agencies to formulate new safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.

 

Wasaphon Atthaphonthanaset, President of the Professional Tour Guide Association of Thailand, stated that the offender was a local tour leader, not a professional guide. This has led to initiatives for stricter regulation of local tour operators, including mandatory registration and professional training to raise service standards.

 

Authorities have underscored the need for cooperation across all sectors, including police, government, and local communities, to bolster tourism safety. Measures include strict oversight of local guides, comprehensive training, and maintaining detailed records. These steps aim to align local guides with professional standards and provide a framework for inspections.

 

The frequency of inspections will also be increased, particularly in developing tourist areas, to ensure visitor safety and uphold Thailand’s reputation as a safe and inviting destination.

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

 

By Goongnang Suksawat

 

Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2023-12-12

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Full story link is wrong, goes to the 'new light story'...

27 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Full story link is wrong, goes to the 'new light story'...

Its ok, the pristine, squeaky clean tourist reputation is still firmly in place! 🙏🙏🙏

An "update" to the story would tell us about how the "tour leader" was arrested, what he is charged with, and how many years he may expect to get in the slammer.

 

This wishy washy "update" tells us nothing!

5 hours ago, webfact said:

.......to protect the country’s tourism reputation and reassure travelers.....

What action is being taken to protect female tourists, or indeed, any woman, travelling alone?

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Wasaphon Atthaphonthanaset, President of the Professional Tour Guide Association of Thailand, stated that the offender was a local tour leader, not a professional guide.

Exactly what I stated on the original story.

2 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

An "update" to the story would tell us about how the "tour leader" was arrested, what he is charged with, and how many years he may expect to get in the slammer.

 

This wishy washy "update" tells us nothing!

From the original post on the full story, he got 2yrs 8months with no remission. Hopefully his life on KC is finished.

A Thai wouldn't do this!..Can't believe this!

Old goongnan suksawats "reporting" leaves a lot to be desired/reported.

 

54 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

What action is being taken to protect female tourists, or indeed, any woman, travelling alone?

The former PM once responded to a tourist being raped by saying that only ugly women should wear a bikini, and when another young tourist was murdered in the Land of Smiles he said her parents could just make another one. So in answer to your question, nothing. Someone has spoken, his job is done, and if nothing happens afterwards he can say that isn't his fault. That's the way it works in Thailand.

I suppose it's good they make a fuss, however ineffectual any measures taken might be. Sends a message, mess with Farang women, and there will be consequences.