PHUKET: One of Thailand's top policemen has heaped praise on Phuket's taxi and tuk-tuk task force and said the system used will become a role model for similar investigations elsewhere around the country.
The Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, General Eak Aungsananon, told the media at Phuket Police Station: ''We have to do everything by just means. The 'mafia' is like a cancer that destroys Phuket's economy and reputation.''
His comments came after the investigation's leader, Major General Paween Pongsirin, Commander of the General Staff Division of Police Region 8, reported that there had been 113 arrests in the Kata-Karon phase of the operation.
One of the 82 people for whom warrants were issued in the Patong phase was still at large.
He added that more charges were likely to be laid against former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, his son Prab and members of the family's Pisona Group business.
''Strong evidence'' had emerged in the continuing investigation, he said.
General Eak said: ''This team is the best role-model for other parts of the country.
''The local people on Phuket are happy, the tourists feel safer. Enforcement is for everyone. We have to maintain proper law enforcement.''
He said the concept of police collecting evidence in advance of arrests and charges had proven ''very effective'' on Phuket and would be useful in other investigations of a similar kind.
He added that more action could be expected on Phuket.
''We will investigate every square meter of Phuket, not just in Karon and Patong, for every kind of criminal,'' he said.
There was also a ''road map'' to maintain momentum once the initial investigation finished, he said.
''Phuket people should be proud of the way these matters are being dealt with,'' he said. ''The people who live here should help to maintain the island properly.''
The general singled out Region 8 chief Major General Panya Mamen and Major General Paween for special praise.
The Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, General Eak Aungsananon, told the media at Phuket Police Station: ''We have to do everything by just means. The 'mafia' is like a cancer that destroys Phuket's economy and reputation.''
His comments came after the investigation's leader, Major General Paween Pongsirin, Commander of the General Staff Division of Police Region 8, reported that there had been 113 arrests in the Kata-Karon phase of the operation.
One of the 82 people for whom warrants were issued in the Patong phase was still at large.
He added that more charges were likely to be laid against former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, his son Prab and members of the family's Pisona Group business.
''Strong evidence'' had emerged in the continuing investigation, he said.
General Eak said: ''This team is the best role-model for other parts of the country.
''The local people on Phuket are happy, the tourists feel safer. Enforcement is for everyone. We have to maintain proper law enforcement.''
He said the concept of police collecting evidence in advance of arrests and charges had proven ''very effective'' on Phuket and would be useful in other investigations of a similar kind.
He added that more action could be expected on Phuket.
''We will investigate every square meter of Phuket, not just in Karon and Patong, for every kind of criminal,'' he said.
There was also a ''road map'' to maintain momentum once the initial investigation finished, he said.
''Phuket people should be proud of the way these matters are being dealt with,'' he said. ''The people who live here should help to maintain the island properly.''
The general singled out Region 8 chief Major General Panya Mamen and Major General Paween for special praise.
What about corrupt civil servants?
No words at all!
Posted by Whistle-Blower on September 6, 2014 20:21