Phuket's new top cop lays down the law

Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: The island's new police chief has vowed to continue cracking down on the taxi mafia and beach clearing, while improving security for Phuket's residents tourists.

Speaking with The Phuket News yesterday afternoon (October 2), the new Phuket Provincial Commander Maj Gen Patchara Boonyarat revealed his plans for the island.

Having arrived to Phuket yesterday morning from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, accompanied by about 30 officers, the top cop's first stops were at Heroine Monument and Wat Chalong Temple.

Gen Patchara remarked, “I am not sure if you recall, on the first day of the crackdown on illegal taxi booths in Phuket, I led a task force from Nakhon Sri Thammarat to provide man power support to Lt Gen Panya Mamen.”

“At first, officers were hesitant to destroy the taxi booths, but I insisted we do it – it's really illegal. So I will keep continue to be firm and ensure the process – please trust [in me],” he added.

Asked if he felt pressured in his position, he remarked, “No, I'm not. In my role and position, the most important priorities are citizens and foreign tourists.”

“They (foreigners) should get high security and safety as Phuket is a tourist destination. Phuket already has its natural beauty, so we should make it safe.”

Moreover, the commander will prioritize safety of local citizens and “protect them from criminals”.

“Police are also important, we will support them – not only for their jobs, but also will look after their families. I think if all officers are happy, the result of their work will be good.”

Islandwide CCTV

“CCTV is very important for police, and it [expanding coverage area] will support the Phuket Safety Zone project. I will start to review the coverage area and see where we need to add more cameras,” said Gen Patchara.

“However, as our budget may not enough enough CCTV cameras to cover all of Phuket, so we might need to ask villagers and business operators to help.”

For example, he suggested that some shop and home owners who have security cameras monitoring their property, to consider adjusting some cameras to monitor parts of the adjoining public road or area.

More volunteer support

“As you know, there are not enough police in Phuket, so we will be asking for more volunteers, we expect that five to seven volunteers for every police officer would be sufficient. The main job of police is to improve security and service for residents and tourists.”

As for cases with outstanding arrest warrants, the chief said he will expedite action. “By making speedy arrests, this will improve confidence of tourists, and satisfy them, through word of mouth in their countries, that Phuket is so beautiful and safe. It affects our incomes.”

“Moreover, we will arrest all foreigners who are acting like mafia or stealing jobs from Thai people. If they come and work legally, we will support their security. However, if they do illegal action, we will arrest them and press charges,” he said.

Later nights for tourist entertainment

Since Phuket is a tourist destination, we cannot apply the same standards as other provinces. I really know know about this point, as I used to work in Pattaya.”

“But this will depend on the consideration of Royal Thai Police Bureau and Thai Government. We will follow their orders,” he added.

Finally, the chief assured that he will maintain a tough stance on beach encroachment.

“If anyone can't access the beach or any beaches are blocked, please report it. I will go to inspect myself with all related teams. All actions I do will be transparent to the public. I've nothing to hide ... I am a real working person,” he concluded.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phukets-new-top-cop-lays-down-the-law-48980.php

-- Phuket News 2014-10-03

He sounds good to me.

Hope it's not all talk and no actions.

Fed up listening to pompous statements and in a few days everything is forgotten.

He sounds good to me.

Hope it's not all talk and no actions.

Fed up listening to pompous statements and in a few days everything is forgotten.

Here here........

Five to seven volunteers for every police officer???

They must be short of cash!

Have a word with Phuripat about getting rid of jet skis and para sail boys as they are taking up the beach for commercial gain. Renting of jet skis to non licensed people is against the law.

jet-skis?

Nothing about getting rid of police corruption......

Same old rhetoric for the sake of tourism.........

Since Phuket is a tourist destination, we cannot apply the same standards as other provinces. I really know know about this point, as I used to work in Pattaya.”

Now theres an open invitation for a few brown envelops, looks like will be business as usual Som Chai!

I seem to be suffering from deja vu.