pagallim Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 We've speculated about the effects of the downturn in the local economy through dramatic decrease in tourists numbers, and the potential of increased petty crime led by many local people lacking legitimate sources of income. This article seems to confirm it, and the impact that it's having on not only expat tourists and residents, but on local Thais themselves. Last week, my next door neighbours (a Thai family) were themselves burgled, and I know the trauma of the experience that they had. There was (if I remember) a thread of a month or so ago, where someone (in Kamala I think) was robbed in his house whilst he slept), and a lot of dialogue generated about taking precautions, changing windows, security systems etc etc. This article just serves as a reminder of taking sensible precautions, including the basics of securing your home (windows/doors etc), even if you are in or near your premises. Phuket, Thailand: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Search News [Click here to add our daily news to your website] Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Karon residents rally against Chalong Police KARON, PHUKET: Citing dereliction of duty and a surge in crime, more than 200 residents of Karon on Monday rallied to call for the transfer of Chalong Police Superintendent Chinnarat Rittakananond. The protest, held in a field at Karon Temple starting at 1pm, was led by tambon chief Winai Chitchiew. Also taking part was Karon Mayor Tawee Tongcham. Mr Winai called for the transfer of Col Chinnarat, saying that Chalong Police have been unable or unwilling to take steps to crack down on crimes including home break-ins, muggings and a variety of other thefts targeted at both tourists and residents. Today Mr Winai told the Gazette: “The Chalong Police have failed in their duty to provide security for the people of Tambon Karon. They are still too busy with silly traffic-related tasks such as setting up road checkpoints to catch riders without helmets or licenses.” Both Thais and foreigners are always complaining about this and other activities officers are engaged in during their free time, Mr Winai said. “The way the police operate here shows they are more interested in collecting fines from motorists than keeping this tambon safe,” he said. Mr Winai said officers assigned to Karon had also failed to establish productive relationships with local leaders including village headmen and the abbot of Wat Karon, who allowed the protesters to rally at a field on the temple’s grounds. Without such contacts, police lacked a network to fight drug trafficking and other criminal activities in Karon, he said. Given the large area Chalong Police District covers, establishing such a network is an essential component in the fight against crime, he said. Chalong Police District covers not only tambon Chalong but the entire south and southwest of the island, extending north from Rawai up through Kata-Karon all the way to the border with Kathu District, near the Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. Col Chinnarat, who has also served as superintendent of Thalang Police, eventually addressed the crowd and asked for patience, saying the economic downturn and chronic under-staffing were major factors in the upsurge in crime. At this, the protesters promised to give police 15 days to improve performance and bring about a decrease in crime, Mr Winai said. If such an improvement is not forthcoming, larger rallies might have to take place in front of Phuket Provincial Police Headquarters in Phuket City, he added. Asked about announced plans to establish an independent police district for Karon, Mr Winai said he hadn’t heard of any progress – even though land for the station has already been donated by the private sector. “Building a new police station in Karon won’t solve people’s problems. That can only be accomplished if the police change their ways and start to serve the public interest,” he said. – Kamol Pirat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScubaBuddha Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Interesting. Good on'em making a fuss. Anytime people complain about the BIB not doing their jobs it's a good thing, even if it's not entirely their fault. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiddlehead Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 YOu gotta give some credit to Thai people here. They do go out and protest against blatent mis-doings in their system. We (both Thai Visa posters and my home country's citizens) tend to just bitch about it but do next to nothing. Their way works better than ours IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbk Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 george beat you to it, article already posted in Phuket news here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Karon-Reside...li-t273949.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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