OFFICERS from Thailand and the US Drug Enforcement Agency descended on Patong last night to hand out beer cooler ''condoms,'' mouse mats, matchbooks and pens in one of the world's most unusual criminal pursuits.
The DEA believes that some of the key figures behind drugs cartels in the Asia region and beyond may be laying low in Thailand's popular holiday destinations.
So it's hoped that by handing out giveaways with photos of the wanted men on them, some day a tourist will see a fellow visitor in a bar or on a beach and think: ''Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?''
The giveaways proved extremely popular with tourists in Soi Bangla last night. Most wanted of all is Wei Hsueh-kang, alias Prasit Chivinnitipanya.
The goodies have already been handed out in several other holiday Thai hot spots.
Phuket Reef Diving Closures to Begin on FridayThe DEA believes that some of the key figures behind drugs cartels in the Asia region and beyond may be laying low in Thailand's popular holiday destinations.
So it's hoped that by handing out giveaways with photos of the wanted men on them, some day a tourist will see a fellow visitor in a bar or on a beach and think: ''Hey, don't I know you from somewhere?''
The giveaways proved extremely popular with tourists in Soi Bangla last night. Most wanted of all is Wei Hsueh-kang, alias Prasit Chivinnitipanya.
The goodies have already been handed out in several other holiday Thai hot spots.
Seven Hot Spots to Close Thai authorities announced the closure of seven diving hot spots in the Phuket and Andaman region from tomorrow, with stiff penalties for non compliance.
Phuket Reef Diving Closures to Begin on Friday
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Drugs barons in Phuket? Surely not! And no money launderers or arms dealers melting into the background or, as common here, washing themselves whiter than white to become pillars of the community...
Posted by Tanya Millibank on January 22, 2011 00:36