PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket Tourist Police are building an international network with representatives from 15 countries to share information on foreign offenders, nominee businesses, illegal driving, drug networks and other problems affecting tourists and local communities. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsiam Meekhantong, deputy chief of the Tourist Police Bureau, chaired the fourth network-building meeting in Phuket on August 14, bringing together representatives from foreign consulates and Tourist Police volunteers under a government policy aimed at strengthening tourist safety.
Representatives from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Vietnam, Switzerland, Austria, France, Chile, Hungary, Mexico, Germany, Estonia, Spain and Brazil took part in the meeting, alongside senior Tourist Police officers and other police personnel. The meeting focused on creating stronger channels for reporting crimes involving foreign nationals and improving cooperation between Thai authorities and foreign diplomatic missions. One of the key concerns was the use of Thai nominees by foreign nationals to operate businesses, particularly within the tourism sector. Officials discussed how consular representatives could help strengthen cooperation and information sharing when suspected nominee arrangements are identified.
Road safety was another major issue. Officials discussed foreign nationals driving cars and motorcycles without valid licenses, violating traffic regulations and becoming involved in accidents.
The network will also address cases involving foreigners who allegedly behave aggressively, disregard Thai laws or become involved in disputes with local residents. Authorities highlighted foreign-linked drug networks and immigration overstays as additional areas requiring closer cooperation and information exchange.
The meeting also placed emphasis on prevention rather than relying solely on enforcement. Tourist Police and consular representatives discussed ways to communicate Thai laws, local customs, cultural practices and basic regulations more clearly to foreign visitors. Officials said better information could help tourists understand what is expected of them while in Thailand and reduce incidents caused by misunderstandings of local rules. The initiative is intended to create a stronger and more responsive network that can identify problems, share information and alert authorities when foreign nationals are suspected of criminal activity.
Participating agencies and representatives were assigned responsibilities to follow up on the issues discussed and report their progress at the next meeting.
The meeting forms part of wider efforts to strengthen Phuket’s tourism security while improving cooperation between Thai authorities, foreign diplomatic missions and international communities on the island.
