PHUKET: Rapists have been getting away with their crimes - especially on the rites-of-passage holiday island of Phi Phi - because police on Phuket have refused to investigate, a meeting between honorary consuls and Phuket's Governor heard today.
Norway's honorary consul, Pornphan Sittichaivijit, told the gathering that young tourists were the victims of rape on Phi Phi.
Brought to Phuket to have physical examinations at Vachira Phuket Hospital, the victims had been told by Phuket City police that they would have to journey back to Ao Nang in Krabi, to pursue the issue of whether a rape had been committed with Krabi police.
Phi Phi was in the province of Krabi, not Phuket, the alleged rape victims were told.
''Many of the victims of rape on Phi Phi are extremely young tourists,'' Khun Pornphan said. ''How can we ensure that police pursue these cases, no matter where they occur?''
It is believed rape cases are often abandoned because women who say they have been victims are given the run-around by reluctant police.
Although there are now more women police in Thailand's force, it often appears as if rape is not considered an especially serious crime.
The representative from Phuket Police Headquarters said that he would ''guarantee'' allegations of rape committed on Phi Phi would be thoroughly investigated by police on Phuket if necessary from now on.
Just a few members of the media attended today's meeting. Some outlets are expected to publish the reporting of the PR team from Phuket Provincial Hall.
An earlier version had the incorrect name of the honorary consul.
Norway's honorary consul, Pornphan Sittichaivijit, told the gathering that young tourists were the victims of rape on Phi Phi.
Brought to Phuket to have physical examinations at Vachira Phuket Hospital, the victims had been told by Phuket City police that they would have to journey back to Ao Nang in Krabi, to pursue the issue of whether a rape had been committed with Krabi police.
Phi Phi was in the province of Krabi, not Phuket, the alleged rape victims were told.
''Many of the victims of rape on Phi Phi are extremely young tourists,'' Khun Pornphan said. ''How can we ensure that police pursue these cases, no matter where they occur?''
It is believed rape cases are often abandoned because women who say they have been victims are given the run-around by reluctant police.
Although there are now more women police in Thailand's force, it often appears as if rape is not considered an especially serious crime.
The representative from Phuket Police Headquarters said that he would ''guarantee'' allegations of rape committed on Phi Phi would be thoroughly investigated by police on Phuket if necessary from now on.
Just a few members of the media attended today's meeting. Some outlets are expected to publish the reporting of the PR team from Phuket Provincial Hall.
An earlier version had the incorrect name of the honorary consul.
Sad to say I think the Norwegian consul is correct. There is a lot of alchol on youth parties and rape is common. The police is reluctant to investigate in order to avoid problems with politicians who want Thailand to be picture perfect. Tourists should get information about the risks and how it can be avoided. Problems has to be resolved, if not charter tour companies will drop Thailand as a tourist destination.
Posted by Anonymous on April 21, 2015 21:11
Editor Comment:
The money is what matters, eh anonymous? Not justice?