Phuket doesn't need a larger police force; it needs an efficient public transport system so that families don't have to buy cars and motorbikes to transport themselves around and clog up the roads. Fewer vehicles on the roads translates to fewer thefts.

Posted by Xircal on September 7, 2011 16:47

Xircal, no. Fewer vehicles on the roads means more vehicles not moving and therefore sitting duck targets for theft. It's always harder to steal a moving vehicle. Even in Phuket, carjacking at traffic lights is not a common crime yet. Statistics show that 95.9% of vehicles are actually stolen when they're not moving.

Posted by Xanax on September 7, 2011 19:30

More police officers means more to brave, and not more action against organised crime.

Posted by martin on September 7, 2011 20:21

The only crims ever arrested in Thailand are the petty thieves, druggies, lackeys and lower rung scapegoats who are arrested to make up the crime stats. When was the last time a "Mr Big" or Chinese "Sia" was arrested? Won't ever happen either as most have some official political position or allegiance.

Many Police and officials have no choice, as a corrupt system can only breed corrupt people and the sad part is they are often nice people just trying to feed their families. They know what they are doing is wrong but there is no way out for them as the WHOLE system works on patronage and bribes.

Unfortunately it usually takes something very drastic or tragic to happen before the consciousness of people changes. Even the tsunami only offered 5 minutes of self introspection before the madness started again.

Sadly, I feel Phuket has gone past the point of no return. It's not only crime, it's infrastructure, too many dodgy, illegal constructions, illegal immigrants, too many quick buck merchants - all earners for the Police in various ways we see reported.

I always tell people if you want to understand the problems of Thailand look at the vast difference between the quality in the private sector compared to Government works.

Phuket is covered in 5 star hotels and resorts surrounded by 1 star infrastructure. Then try to estimate how much of that private investment had its origins in the public money.

Thailand is like feudal China, run by warlords and family dynasties. Trying to reform the Police is impossible under the present system. I wouldn't hold my breath expecting any real change soon.

Chalerm Yubumrung as Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister is almost a national tragedy.

Posted by logbags on September 7, 2011 21:12

Editor: That is What i believe, it's based on eight years experience of Thailand/Phuket. More police officer is good for Phuket but it will not solve the real big problems like tuk-tuk, jet-ski mafia etc.

Posted by martin on September 7, 2011 21:36

logbags, the actual physical infrastructure (civil works) in Thailand is surprisingly good. Have you been to the Philippines recently? There isn't a decent road in the country outside Manila. There isn't even a half-decent airport in Manila. Spend a couple of weeks in the 'Pines and when you come back you'll marvel at the modern, efficient, developed miracle Thailand. Vietnam and Cambodia are the same. Those three countries still give me a feeling of being third World. Thailand is already very definitely second World in many respects and its neighbor Malaysia is aiming to become a first World fully developed nation by 2020, according to a show I saw on the BBC.

Posted by moneybags on September 8, 2011 11:12

Whilst I agree Thailand is streets ahead of some countries, the jist of my post was to point out the obvious huge gap in the standards between the private and public sectors in Thailand.

Jungceylon is a world class shopping centre but have you seen the road behind it? Is it a coincidence the people who are often responsible for public works are also often the very people who own many of the businesses and resorts we talk about?

Often the best roads on Phuket lead too or directly pass a resort owned by a politician or prominent family. The new bus station has stood empty just because a local official lives across the road and he doesn't want buses u-turning in front of his house.

This should have been sorted before a foundation was poured.

When it comes to public infrastructure, before the money reaches the hands of the contractor, so little is left he has no choice but to buy inferior materials and use cheap labor.

Labor itself is another story, the pricing of Government projects with Thai labor being substituted with cheaper Burmese workers is another scam.

Thais don't seem to understand the only people they ultimately cheat with these scams are themselves and their children's future happiness.

Thailand is actually a very rich country, rich in resources, rich in fresh fruit and foods. Most importantly rich in spirit with a kind, talented and generous hearted population.

Thailand is constantly let down by greedy and shameless politicians who are insatiable in plundering the public purse or subverting the law for their own benefit. This has a trickle down effect with nobody wanting to miss a turn at the trough when their time comes around

Thailand is facing an uncertain future until it can break free of these despots, unfortunately most have offspring who are worse, so their deaths often only spawn a new generation of rent seekers.

Posted by logbags on September 8, 2011 12:39

Woolly or not, more vehicles, whether stationary or otherwise means more pollution in an already polluted country. Similarly, more vehicles means a greater likelyhood of an increased accident rate judging by the standard of driving in Thailand.

Shipping more police to the island who will quickly learn how to acquire the rich pickings to be had from the tourist population will merely exacerbate the problem since they're liking to spend most of the time either resting on their laurels watching the world go by, or manning the checkpoint at the bottom of Karon Hill to pull over any foreigner who happens to pass by so that they can levy a fine.

Posted by Xircal on September 8, 2011 14:56