Banglamung’s district
chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai (3rd left) addresses the Pattaya Business &
Tourism Association.
Phasakorn Channgam
Banglamung’s district chief urged business leaders to
be the “eyes and ears” of police and public officials to curtail crime,
especially those committed by the area’s increasingly infamous civil
defense volunteers.
Chawalit Saeng-Uthai told the Pattaya Business &
Tourism Association June 13 that both tourists and residents are
complaining about supposedly do-gooding volunteers threatening people,
shaking down drivers and generally acting rudely.
“Unfortunately, these cases are true,” Chawalit said.
However, he added, he has imposed strict controls on Banglamung’s 200
volunteers and “if abuse or illegal use of their power is found, there
will be serious penalties.”
The district chief explained to business leaders that
Banglamung’s volunteers are not the only ones operating in the area.
Pattaya has its own squad, leading to confusion among locals about which
group is responsible for keeping them under control.
Chawalit said part of the problem can be blamed on
the fact that although the Interior Ministry has delineated specific
responsibilities for civil-defense volunteers, local police had
recruited them to assist in traffic checkpoints and other law
enforcement activities, which has resulted in volunteers acting like
they have more power than they actually do.
Crimes by supposed social protectors go a long way
toward tarnishing Pattaya’s image as a tourist destination, the district
chief admitted. Therefore, he said, public and business leaders need to
work together to weed out criminals.
Chawalit offered up the idea of “help one another to
have confidence in Pattaya” as a campaign to boost the area’s
reputation.
“Pattaya still has many problems awaiting
resolution,” Chawalit said, pointing to the area’s large, transient
population.
“There are a large number of people coming and going.
If these people commit crimes, it hurts the area’s image,” he said.
“Therefore to stop these crimes from taking place, all sectors must work
together to be the eyes and ears for the city. If any offenses are
observed, the police should be notified immediately.”
