Patong Police target ‘troublemaking’ tourists

Patong Police are intensifying enforcement against disruptive foreign visitors following a directive issued at an April 17 meeting of local agencies in Phuket. The crackdown comes after a string of Songkran-related incidents, including the arrest of seven French tourists on Prachanukhro Rd on April 12 for obstructing traffic and aggressively splashing water at passers-by.

Recent Arrests and Fines Target Songkran Offenders

Police charged the French group with causing a public nuisance, issued fines, and delivered formal warnings, according to an official statement. In a separate case, two French nationals were detained after allegedly assaulting a Thai man during the holiday, resulting in facial injuries.

Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khantakrue reported that nearly all suspects linked to recent disturbances have been apprehended. He confirmed that ongoing efforts focus on both pursuing offenders and preventing further incidents.

Expanded Police Measures and Motorbike Crackdown

Officers have increased patrols and inspections at accommodations, restaurants, and motorbike rental shops frequented by foreign tourists. Police have also introduced roving checkpoints targeting groups suspected of reckless driving or causing disturbances.

Two foreign tourists, whose nationalities were not disclosed, received fines of B24,000 each and had their motorbike confiscated by court order for dangerous driving. Additional operations have resulted in the seizure of motorbikes from groups riding at high speeds with loud exhausts along Patong Hill.

Officials said that information is being gathered on groups considered at risk of causing trouble, with enforcement paired with intensified prevention efforts. Police maintain that monitoring does not target any specific nationality, but focuses on locations and behaviors linked to recurring problems.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/patong-police-target-troublemaking-tourists-99965.php