PHUKET police produced nine arrested men today, and eight handguns they say some of the men were carrying for protection.
Unlike a gang arrested earlier this month in Thalang, who were involved in armed extortion while operating as loan sharks, the 16 men arrested in a crackdown since December 1 have been charged with various offenses.
Most face counts of possession of drugs or illegal firearms, or both. A small, stunted marijuana plant in a pot was also produced.
''Ah, a Christmas tree,'' said Phuket's Chief of Police, Major General Pekad Tantipong, when he entered the room at Phuket City police headquarters. ''Is this the party?''
Major General Pekad said he and other police chiefs had met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last week.
The PM was keen to emphasise the safety of tourists in the key tourist destinations around Thailand, he said.
He warned against people carrying illegal guns for protection. ''Those who do always run the risk of making trouble for themselves and others as well.''
Drink-drivers are likely to be a focus of attention over the New Year period, with police expected to be on duty at checkpoints around Phuket, especially at night.
Phuket's Vital Signs Still at a Low EbbUnlike a gang arrested earlier this month in Thalang, who were involved in armed extortion while operating as loan sharks, the 16 men arrested in a crackdown since December 1 have been charged with various offenses.
Most face counts of possession of drugs or illegal firearms, or both. A small, stunted marijuana plant in a pot was also produced.
''Ah, a Christmas tree,'' said Phuket's Chief of Police, Major General Pekad Tantipong, when he entered the room at Phuket City police headquarters. ''Is this the party?''
Major General Pekad said he and other police chiefs had met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last week.
The PM was keen to emphasise the safety of tourists in the key tourist destinations around Thailand, he said.
He warned against people carrying illegal guns for protection. ''Those who do always run the risk of making trouble for themselves and others as well.''
Drink-drivers are likely to be a focus of attention over the New Year period, with police expected to be on duty at checkpoints around Phuket, especially at night.
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If they want to find unregistered handguns, try looking in the glove boxes and under drivers seats of the tuktuks.
Sure seems like a whole bunch of them are armed.
Posted by LivinLOS on December 30, 2009 14:31