Sweden’s police chief in Phuket tourist safety talk

[webfact]

Sweden’s police chief in tourist safety talk
BY THANA POOPAT



PHUKET: -- A senior Swedish law enforcement official was in Phuket on 4 November 2013 to seek closer cooperation with the Royal Thai Police to better protect thousands of Swedish nationals who come here as tourists each year.

According to Thai-language The Manager online newspaper, Sweden’s national police chief, Mr. Bengt Svensson, also discussed how Swedish police and Thai counterparts could join hands in suppressing Swedish criminals or “big motorbike” gangs from harming foreigners and locals.

Mr. Svensson praised Thai police and Swedish police volunteers for their good work in protecting Swedish tourists and helping those in distress while vacationing in Thailand, the newspaper said.

Of 191,034 Swedes who have visited Phuket so far this year, only 10 were victims of crimes, two others injured in accidents and 4 lost their lives, according to Thai tourist police statistics.

In photo: Mr. Bengt Svensson ® discusses tourist safety and crime suppression cooperation with Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusut. Photo: Manager Online

Source: Manager Online Thai-language only

Source: http://scandasia.com/swedens-police-chief-tourist-safety-talk/

-- ScandAsia 2013-11-05

[laurentbkk]

only 10 were victims of crimes, two others injured in accidents and 4 lost their lives

ONLY ??????? that's too many

[Chicog]

Big Swedish motorbike gangs? Are they running rampant in Phuket then?

Usually when I see a swede on a motorbike he's so pissed it's a wonder he hasn't fallen off.

[NamKangMan]

Big Swedish motorbike gangs? Are they running rampant in Phuket then?

Usually when I see a swede on a motorbike he's so pissed it's a wonder he hasn't fallen off.

It's the "gang" that creates a financial incentive to hire a motorbike, and ride it whilst intoxicated, that they should be more concerned about.

[Carl64]

Swedens police chief in tourist safety talk

Could be a long chat!

[Benmart]

Big Swedish motorbike gangs? Are they running rampant in Phuket then?

Usually when I see a swede on a motorbike he's so pissed it's a wonder he hasn't fallen off.

Either the Swede is flying his national flag, or other emblem denoting his nationality, or you are indeed gifted with a talent we mortals don't possess.

[Benmart]

Wouldn't it be nice if senior police and public safety officials from around the world were to converge on Thailand at the same time for a similar purpose? Add a bit of international news converage focusing on the topics that are all to familiar (crimes against tourists, extortion, baht bus rip-offs, assorted scams, tea money, etc), would also be nice.

I would imagine it would cause all sorts of hoop jumping and head-rolling lest the cash cow be sacrificed.

Think, think, think.

[wealth]

what about an overdue extradition treaty? - would be easier to handle the Swedish criminals then ...

[Andre0720]

I wonder if he said he felt 'safe' here or not?

[Ulic]

Sounds like a vacation junket to me.

[attento]

The Swedes also know a thing-or-two about the Laws relating to maritime safety. Also the effects of drink and drugs.

Maybe they will have time to visit Pattaya and "advise" on the application of Law to ferry boat operations.

Next time, it could be Swedish passengers losing their lives.

[jacko45k]

Strange article.

It says he was here praising Thai police for their good work.

But also to better protect Swedish nationals in the country, suggesting current performance is unsatisfactory..

They need to send over more than 1 guy!

[hansgruber]

Never mind the bikers. Its the Swedish property developers that should be avoided.

[sirchai]

Thought they'd hide somewhere in forests?-

[Somtamnication]

I always suspected Swedish motocy gangs are behind the tuk tuks and jetski mafia crap.

Viva Sverige!!!!

[DisainaM]

Mr. Svensson praised Thai police and Swedish police volunteers for their good work in protecting Swedish tourists and helping those in distress while vacationing in Thailand,

is there a connection ?

a swedish tourist police volunteer involved in the "pepper spray action" ?

Expat Volunteers Asked to Pay Pepper Spray Bill

Sunday, November 3, 2013

: Phuket expat volunteers were forced to use pepper spray in self-defence

An officer from Kathu Police Station arrived and spoke to the tout and bystanders.

At Patong's Kathu Police Station, a senior officer decided no action would be taken against the tout who initiated the physical confrontation.

that the volunteer who was forced to use the pepper spray should pay for the tout's hospital treatment.

http://www.thethailandnews.com/news/phuket-expat-volunteers-restrain-patong-iguana-tout-asked-to-pay-pepper-spray-bill-434983.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679379-patong-tourist-police-seize-iguana;-theft-assault-and-battery/

[JoeThePoster]

Mr. Bengt Svensson ®

After following all the copyright cases, I see the Swede has wisely decided to protect his name.

[Felt 35]

Sounds like a vacation junket to me.

Yea most male officials from wherever in the world praise both Phuket and even Patong after a few days paid vacation here.......

[jpduggan]

''according to Thai tourist police statistics.'' which means it's a load of bull just like all other Thai statistics and forecasts!