KOH SAMUI, Thailand – Tourist Police have joined forces with foreign consulates and international volunteers on Koh Samui, Surat Thanai province, to strengthen cooperation in tackling tourism-related crimes, illegal businesses and issues involving foreign nationals. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsiam Meekhanthong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, chaired a meeting aimed at building a stronger reporting network to prevent crimes and protect tourists in the area. Representatives from several countries, including Austria, Russia, France, the UK, China, Canada, Finland and Israel, together with Tourist Police volunteers, attended the meeting alongside senior police officers.
The discussion focused on improving cooperation between authorities, diplomatic representatives and foreign communities in addressing key issues affecting tourism safety, including crimes committed by foreign nationals, illegal businesses operated through Thai nominees, and foreigners working or conducting business unlawfully. Authorities also discussed concerns over foreign visitors driving without valid licenses, traffic violations leading to accidents, foreigners causing disturbances in local communities, drug-related networks and tourists overstaying their permitted stay.
Another key focus was improving communication with foreign visitors by providing better information about Thai laws, local customs, culture and basic regulations to help prevent misunderstandings and reduce offences. Tourist Police said the initiative aims to create an active and reliable international network where problems can be reported quickly, information can be shared effectively and cooperation between authorities and foreign communities can be strengthened. Officials from relevant agencies were assigned to continue developing measures and report progress at future meetings.
