KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – Tourist police are building an international network to smash foreign crime rings and illegal businesses on the island. They want faster reporting and better information sharing.
Police Major General Pongsiam Meekhanthong, deputy commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, led the meeting in Surat Thani province. The network aims to link authorities with foreign communities to prevent crime and boost tourist safety.
Police plan faster reporting system
Pongsiam wants an active and reliable network that connects police, consulates and foreign residents. The goal is to report problems quicker and pass information more effectively.
The tourist police say cooperation will help prevent crimes and improve security for visitors. Foreign nationals who break the rules are a key target.
Illegal businesses and unauthorized work in focus
Participants discussed crimes committed by foreign nationals, including businesses run through Thai straw men. Foreigners working or running businesses without permission were also on the agenda.
Drug networks and overstaying visas were other hot topics. Authorities want to develop measures to ensure foreign nationals follow the rules.
Driving licenses and traffic violations
Foreign visitors driving without a valid license sparked debate. Traffic violations that cause accidents were flagged as a threat to tourism safety.
Police, consulates and foreign communities will work together to educate visitors about their duties. They also tackled disturbances in local communities caused by foreign nationals.
Consulates and volunteers discuss better information
Representatives from Austria, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, Finland and Israel attended. International tourist police volunteers and senior police officers were also there.
A major focus was clearer information about Thai laws, local customs, culture and basic regulations. The aim is to prevent misunderstandings and reduce crime.
Police demand progress reports
Authorities were instructed to develop the planned measures further. At future meetings, they must report on progress made.
The measures aim to improve safety and promote compliance with regulations by foreign nationals.