Phuket police chief says no mafia groups operate in province

Phuket Provincial Police chief Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum said on Wednesday, May 6, that no mafia groups are operating in Phuket, despite recent concern over criminal influence. He said police have found no reports of local ransom-style extortion and no notifications of money-squeezing cases in the province.

Police cite crypto kidnapping cases and business disputes

The police chief said officers have handled 3 cases involving victims taken to extort cryptocurrency. He said all 3 cases involved foreigners who came from abroad, committed the crimes, and planned to leave immediately after, but were arrested in every case.

He drew a distinction between those cases and organized local rackets, saying the pattern seen in Phuket was more often business rivalry than mafia activity.

As an example, he pointed to action against the rental car sector in April. He also said authorities are continuing enforcement involving entertainment venues.

Police said any illegal conduct found in those businesses would bring legal action in every case. He added that broader policy questions, including tax issues and other regulatory matters, would require further discussion.

Source: https://www.thaipost.net/district-news/991813/