KOH SAMUI, Thailand – Tourist Police have ordered stronger safety measures on Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, including increased patrols, tighter enforcement against illegal activities and closer cooperation with foreign communities to protect visitors and maintain confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry. On Aug. 4, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsiam Meekhanthong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, visited Tourist Police Station 5, Division 2, Tourist Police Division 3 on Koh Samui. During the visit he delivered policy guidance to officers, emphasizing the need to strengthen tourist safety measures, especially in major tourism areas with high visitor numbers.
He instructed officers to increase patrol frequency, particularly around piers and departure points for islands, while working with boat operators to remind tourists to wear life jackets to reduce the risk of marine accidents. The deputy commissioner also stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and strict law enforcement against offenders, including crimes involving foreign nationals and illegal foreign business operations using Thai nominees in the tourism sector.
Officers were also instructed to promote the Thailand Tourist Police Application and the tourist police emergency hotline 1155, ensuring visitors know how to request assistance or report incidents.
During the visit, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsiam also joined officers for lunch and prepared a simple meal of stir-fried morning glory as part of a morale-building activity with the team.
Later that afternoon, he welcomed Mr. Eli Eliyahu Sneh, Minister and Consul, for discussions on cooperation in communicating with Israeli tourists about Thai customs, local culture and basic regulations to help prevent misunderstandings and reduce legal violations. The meeting also addressed cooperation in tackling foreign nationals involved in illegal activities, unlawful businesses and nominee arrangements, with the aim of ensuring tourists can enjoy their stay in Thailand safely while respecting local laws and communities.
