The superintendent of Pattaya’s tourist police, Lieutenant Colonel Aroon Promphan (left), has announced the appointment of Wayne Walton to be the new group leader of Pattaya’s Foreign Tourist Police Assistants (FTPA). Wayne, 45, has many years’ experience of UK policing including UK Royal Protection, and additional experience in the private sector organizing Close Protection for various dignitaries.
Wayne said, “I am honoured to take over leadership of FTPA in Pattaya following the resignation of Rey Dominguez who will be spending more time in the USA. I hope to involve many more people in FTPA in the future to make the team more dynamic and professional.”
He explained that the 45 member-strong FTPA had a priority to recruit more Russian-speaking members in view of the changing visitor profile on Walking Street.
The role of the auxiliary FTPA is to assist the regular tourist police, principally at the mobile unit on Walking Street, dealing with general tourist questions as well as assisting with visitors’ difficulties and helping to keep public order as and when necessary. They also work with Thai tourist police volunteers.
In recent years, FTPA has attempted to become more professional with a lengthy induction programme and regular ongoing training and meetings. Applicants must possess a one year visa in Thailand and have police clearance from their home country. There is a strict disciplinary code and a detailed manual of correct procedures. Most FTPA have police, army or security backgrounds or have other relevant skills such as foreign language fluency or diplomatic experience.
Barry Kenyon, the press officer said, “Most people remember the famous TV series Big Trouble in Thailand, but FTPA has evolved in many ways since then. Wayne has a big task ahead in ensuring the organization is progressive and up-to-date, but he’s surely the right man for the job. Pattaya is now attracting huge numbers of Russian, Indian and Chinese tourists and our structures need to take account of that.”
