National Police Chief
Adul Saengsingkaew (center), flanked by top deputies from Bangkok, top
Chonburi police officials and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, orders nearly
600 area police officers to crack down on crime during the heart of
Pattaya’s high-season.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Top Royal Thai Police officials ordered nearly 600 area police
officers to crack down on crime during the heart of Pattaya’s
high-season.
National Police Chief Adul Saengsingkaew, flanked by top deputies from
Bangkok, top Chonburi police officials and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome,
gave directives to officers Jan. 8 at Pattaya City Hall. From Jan. 7 to
Feb. 5, 611 Pattaya, Region 2 and municipal officers are tasked with
clearing the streets of criminals that could cause damage to Pattaya’s
reputation and tourism industry.
Chonburi police commander Maj. Gen. Khatcha said the
Pattaya area will be divided into zones to monitor, investigate and
pursue suspects, focusing on drugs, human trafficking and other vices.
Region 2 deputy police commander Maj. Gen. Sanchai Chai-amporn said
Pattaya last year hosted 4.9 million tourists a year, 2.6 million of
which were Russian. Tourists were involved in 79 criminal cases, 51 of
which were inside Pattaya city limits. Most crimes consisted of jewelry
snatches, with Wong Amat Beach showing the highest crime rate, with 17
percent of reported incidents. Most victims, he said, were Russians, as
they now comprise 48 percent of Pattaya’s total tourist base.
The crackdown comes amid a flurry of high-profile crimes against
Russians, including the Christmas night kidnapping and rape of two
Russian women and the transvestite-involved drugging-robbery of a
Russian man in Bang Saray.
Authorities said that during the initial holiday
period, area police had arrested 153 people on drug charges, seized
7,226 methamphetamine tablets, 16.4 g. of crystal meth, and 155 g. of
marijuana. Six cases of illegal firearms were closed, with 10 guns
seized. Ten older cases were also closed with a total of 22 suspects.
Adul said that, from now on, officers will enforce a stricter rule in
preventing and suppressing crimes in tourism areas in Pattaya by
targeting crimes during the operation period in order to keep citizens
and tourists safe.
Thailand’s Tourist Police are also stepping up action. On Jan. 7,
Pattaya Tourist Police chief Col. Arun Promphan met with staff,
immigration officials and advisors to map out coverage of tourist areas.
Advisor Gen. Wuthi Liptapanlop said most of the crimes against Russian
tourists are occurring between 1-7 a.m. Thus, he said, police need to
step up patrols and preventative efforts during the wee hours.
