PHUKET: If rip-off merchants continue to damage Phuket's tourism reputation, they will be ''treated the same way we treat terrorism suspects,'' Phuket's new Police Commander said today.
Major General Chote Chawanwiwat told Phuketwan at his Phuket City HQ that keeping Phuket safe for tourists and enforcing zero tolerance for drugs were his two priorities.
''I have been commander in Yala and Narathiwat, two of the three Deep South provinces,'' he said.
''We will employ the same approach here if necessary. But first, I need to talk to the jet-ski operators and the tuk-tuk drivers to let them know my intention.''
The major-general also had some words for police.
''All police on Phuket will assemble at 8am if they are on duty to raise the Thai flag and salute it,'' he said. ''I am surprised this is not done on Phuket.''
He said he had spent two nights already on Phuket and noted the behavior of Phuket's patrol police.
''In Narathiwat, patrol police are diligent and keep busy all the time,'' he said. ''There is no moment for a policeman to relax.
''That standard will be applied on Phuket, too.''
Major General Chote said he noted development of the Patong Safety Zone and would encourage the rapid spread of the concept all over Phuket.
''Safety zones exist in the South and I am keen to continue to encourage community involvement on Phuket,'' he said.
''We also need to improve service across the board, beginning with the 191 call system. We need to project the notion that Phuket police are of the highest quality.''
He recognised the need for a complete network of security cameras across Phuket. The major general said that his English was not great but he hoped to be able to help in areas where tourists need help.
''When it comes to closing times for venues,'' he said, I will look at what's best for Phuket. What I do not want to see is venues closing as the monks are already on the streets seeking alms [usually pre-dawn, often as early as 4am.]''
He said he understood the need to have Phuket's only female police officer involved with claims of rape - as requested by Phuket honorary consuls - and would see whether more female police could be transferred to Phuket.
The number of police on Phuket is governed by the registered population of 320,000. The actual population - including tourists and the Burmese workforce - can swell to one million.
Phuket authorities and envoys have been campaigning to increase the number of police on Phuket.
Major General Chote Chawanwiwat told Phuketwan at his Phuket City HQ that keeping Phuket safe for tourists and enforcing zero tolerance for drugs were his two priorities.
''I have been commander in Yala and Narathiwat, two of the three Deep South provinces,'' he said.
''We will employ the same approach here if necessary. But first, I need to talk to the jet-ski operators and the tuk-tuk drivers to let them know my intention.''
The major-general also had some words for police.
''All police on Phuket will assemble at 8am if they are on duty to raise the Thai flag and salute it,'' he said. ''I am surprised this is not done on Phuket.''
He said he had spent two nights already on Phuket and noted the behavior of Phuket's patrol police.
''In Narathiwat, patrol police are diligent and keep busy all the time,'' he said. ''There is no moment for a policeman to relax.
''That standard will be applied on Phuket, too.''
Major General Chote said he noted development of the Patong Safety Zone and would encourage the rapid spread of the concept all over Phuket.
''Safety zones exist in the South and I am keen to continue to encourage community involvement on Phuket,'' he said.
''We also need to improve service across the board, beginning with the 191 call system. We need to project the notion that Phuket police are of the highest quality.''
He recognised the need for a complete network of security cameras across Phuket. The major general said that his English was not great but he hoped to be able to help in areas where tourists need help.
''When it comes to closing times for venues,'' he said, I will look at what's best for Phuket. What I do not want to see is venues closing as the monks are already on the streets seeking alms [usually pre-dawn, often as early as 4am.]''
He said he understood the need to have Phuket's only female police officer involved with claims of rape - as requested by Phuket honorary consuls - and would see whether more female police could be transferred to Phuket.
The number of police on Phuket is governed by the registered population of 320,000. The actual population - including tourists and the Burmese workforce - can swell to one million.
Phuket authorities and envoys have been campaigning to increase the number of police on Phuket.
Mr Chote.
I am sure its not only me who wish you all the best in your new position and dream that you will sort Phuket's problems which is a lack of law enforcement.
However, words like 'behave or else' by people in authority have been used many-many times without follow up actions by law enforcement officers.
I dream and wish that you will prove to the people of Phuket (locals, tourists and expats) that you are the person who deliver what has been promised!
Posted by Mr. K on October 1, 2012 10:13