Royal Thai Police deputy inspector general orders Phuket crackdown on transnational crime
A senior Royal Thai Police official inspected Patong and Kamala stations and ordered tougher enforcement in Phuket against transnational crime, nominee businesses, narcotics and unfair transport practices.
Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Piwpan inspected Patong and Kamala police stations last week and ordered stricter action in Phuket against transnational crime, nominee businesses, narcotics and unfair public transport practices.
Trirong, who is also a Royal Thai Police spokesperson, visited Patong Police Station, where he was received by senior officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Jarut Sarutyaporn, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, and Acting Pol. Col. Korakrit Khanthakrua, superintendent of Patong Police Station. Officers carried out training drills before receiving policy guidance.
He later made an unannounced visit to Kamala Police Station, where Superintendent Pol. Col. Anurak Parinyasathirakul and duty officers received him and listened to his directives.
During the inspections, Trirong said police must strictly follow the three-phase policy framework set by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet to prevent and suppress illegal activity involving foreign nationals. He said Thailand remained committed to welcoming and protecting tourists, but would not allow its territory to be used for criminal enterprises.
He identified Patong and Kamala as strategically important tourism areas facing a range of criminal issues, including nominee businesses, transnational syndicates, online gambling, narcotics trafficking, call center scams and fugitives seeking refuge. He told officers to take proactive enforcement measures to maintain peace and order and strengthen confidence in Thailand as a safe destination.
Trirong also ordered a broad review and tighter regulation of public transport operators following complaints of unfair practices. He said laws must be enforced uniformly to protect passengers from exploitation and ensure fairness across services.
He further instructed commanders at all levels to closely supervise subordinates and to apply disciplinary measures decisively in serious misconduct cases. Weekly refresher training was also ordered to reinforce discipline and professionalism, with the stated aim of improving public trust and the experience of residents and international visitors.
