PHUKET, THAILAND – A former high-ranking politician from the ruling Palang Pracharath party has slammed the recent reshuffling of provincial leadership in Phuket as mere theatrics. Suradech Yasawat described the reassignment of the governor and his two deputies as a “superficial placation” that does nothing to address the system of corruption and illegal foreign businesses.
Relocation to Songkhla? Not a Punishment, but an “A-Class” Reward
For Yasawat, the situation is crystal clear. The two deputy governors who allegedly caused significant conflicts in Phuket have simply been transferred to the equally lucrative provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. He refutes the official narrative, stating that everyone in the Interior Ministry knows these posts are considered coveted “A-Class” jobs.
These positions offer potential benefits on par with those in Phuket, according to Yasawat. He asserted that the sole intention behind the move was to reduce public pressure.
The transfer of the governor to the position of deputy permanent secretary is also seen by Yasawat as evidence that the long-standing threats against him had substantial grounds.
Central Police to Instill Fear in Corrupt Local Officials
Yasawat believes Phuket needs a sweeping external intervention rather than cosmetic corrections. He calls for the deployment of elite units, such as the Central Investigation Bureau or the Department of Special Investigation, to dismantle the local power balance.
He contends that the government is fully aware of the masterminds behind the protection racket networks and their connections to foreign nominee groups. The presence of central police, Yasawat stated, would make local officials vigilant and fearful, deterring them from accepting bribes.
He is urging the tourist province to be used as a model for combating influential criminal structures.
Nominee Strawmen: Up to 3 Years in Prison and Millions in Fines Possible
A key point of his criticism targets foreign businesspeople who operate companies through Thai nominees to circumvent the Foreign Business Act. Yasawat highlighted the severe penalties stipulated in the 1999 Act: up to three years in prison, fines ranging from 100,000 to one million baht, or both, combined with a daily additional penalty of up to 50,000 baht.
However, he described the law as a “paper tiger” as long as the government fails to make examples. This situation is becoming increasingly urgent, Yasawat noted, due to the significant influx of individuals from war-torn and conflict regions like Ukraine, Russia, or China.
These individuals are not only seeking refuge but also bringing capital that is entering the legal market and displacing Thai workers in their jobs.
Abolish Visa-Free Entry Completely? “Even 10 Days are Useless”
Yasawat’s most radical proposal involves the complete abolition of visa-free entry. With over 30 million tourists annually, he perceives this as a substantial security loophole. Even shortening the allowed stay from 60 to 30, 15, or even 10 days is considered ineffective by Yasawat, as the critical issue is uncontrolled entry itself.
He wants the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to compel all travelers to undergo background checks for criminal history at their home countries’ embassies.
This measure aims to prevent “grey capital” from China or groups such as Israelis, who he claims are “occupying” Koh Phangan and Pai, from entering and exiting freely and forming networks as scammers or illegal businessmen.
“Solve the Problems Concretely, Not Just Superficially”
Yasawat dismisses concerns about a decline in tourism. He believes that those seeking quality tourists must implement strict filtering at embassies.
International relations, he argued, would not be an obstacle, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could justify the necessity of the step by citing the country’s tense security situation.
He directed a final, unambiguous appeal to the highest level:
“I want the Prime Minister and the government to proceed seriously, not just superficially, not just through on-site visits, not just by assigning tasks to ministers, not just by transferring governors and deputy governors, but by solving the problems concretely and giving locals the feeling that the problems have been solved and have significantly decreased.”
said Suradech Yasawat, former Vice Chief of the Palang Pracharath Party.