Senior police officials warned Koh Larn jet ski operators to control their employees better or face a shutdown following the reported rape of a Japanese tourist.
Pol. Col. Thrairong Piewpan, deputy commander of Chonburi Police, Pattaya chief Pol. Col. Apichai Krobpetch and Tourist Police head Pol. Maj. Piyapong Ensarn were joined by Marine Department and military officials at the Sept. 28 meeting.
Jet ski driver Rattana Halit, 34, was arrested on rape charges Sept. 24. He denied the charges, saying sex he had with his Japanese customer was consensual after a night out around the island drinking. He also argued that she didn’t report the rape until several days later.
Nonetheless, Thrairong called the incident unacceptable and another smear on the tourism reputation of Pattaya. Such “reckless” behavior will not be tolerated, he said.
He added that rules must be put in place to forbid jet ski operators from getting involved personally with customers. Business should be kept business, he added, warning that any operator who fails to rein in their workers would be held accountable.
Apichai said additional officers will be stationed on Koh Larn to better assist tourists.
