Crime wave in Phuket as tsunami unemployment soars

PHUKET: -- The large number of people made out of work by the December tsunami has resulted in soaring crime rates on the southern island of Phuket, a senior Phuket police official revealed today.

Pol. Lt. Col. Suchat Suwannaphirom, an inspector at Thalang district police station, said that theft rates had climbed by 20 percent since tidal waves struck on 26 December.

With tourist numbers only gradually returning to pre-tsunami levels, many businesses on the island remain shut, and unemployment rates are on the rise.

Local police officials have now established community watch networks on the island, and some areas now have a 24-hour police presence.

Pol. Lt. Col. Suchat urged local residents, particularly women, to be wary when walking at night time in order to avoid being mugged.

--TNA 2005-06-08

Oh pulleeease! This police 'report' makes it sound as tho it's unsafe to walk the streets of Phuket- what a bunch of nonsense! Of course, in the wee hours in any town, anywhere, you have to apply some common sense but this 'report' is not helpfull for boosting tourism. I'll be 'braving' the streets of Phuket next month and looking forward to it

Ive just locked the gate

I suppose they have nothing else to write about at the mo.

Low season aka the silly season - sounds like its here.

give me a call when your down bahtandsold, we'll "brave" the streets together.