PHUKET, THAILAND – A local businessman has petitioned the Prime Minister, demanding decisive action against alleged mafia structures and protection rackets in Patong, Phuket. Chumsai Sriyaphai has lodged a formal complaint accusing a figure identified as “Mr. W.” of extorting money from small traders on private property, demanding 1 million Baht monthly. He also criticized the perceived slow response from the Patong police. The Prime Minister’s office has acknowledged the concerns and announced on-site investigations.
Direkt im Regierungshaus vorgelegt
On June 5, 2026, at 09:30 AM, Chumsai Sriyaphai submitted a letter at the Government House to Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The complaint called for measures against extortion, criminal organizations, and violations of the 2015 Debt Collection Act.
The letter was received by Ploythale Laksanameechan, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office. She assured that the case would be forwarded and that the government would take action.
Vorwurf: „Herr W.“ verlangt 1 Million Baht pro Monat
In his complaint, Chumsai named influential individuals on Soi Saen Sabai in Patong and claimed that a businessman with the initials “Mr. W.” forces small traders on a private plot to pay 1 million Baht per month. He stated the man allegedly has strong connections to high-ranking public officials in the province.
The issue had reportedly been brought to the attention of the Governor of Phuket but faced initial delays. Chumsai had also filed three criminal complaints with the Patong police station.
Polizeiarbeit teils beschleunigt, teils verzögert
According to Chumsai’s account, police officers processed some complaints swiftly, while others were handled slowly, possibly because they were not perceived as a government priority. He criticized this inconsistent enforcement and called for acceleration.
Chumsai explained his decision to approach the government by stating that expediting legal proceedings aligns with the Prime Minister’s policy to combat influential figures. He specifically requested stricter oversight of the public officials involved.
Büro des Premierministers: Regierung will hart gegen Korruption vorgehen
Ploythale Laksanameechan emphasized that the government under the Prime Minister is determined to act against mafia structures and corrupt officials. She also confirmed reports suggesting the involvement of foreign frontmen in Phuket, particularly from China and Russia.
She quoted the government’s fundamental principle: “ไม่มีใครอยู่เหนือกฎหมาย” (No one is above the law). Public officials must adhere to the law just like everyone else.
Verbindung zu früheren Regierungsmaßnahmen in Phuket
Chumsai pointed out that the Prime Minister had previously visited Bang Tao Beach to address mafia problems, criticizing that similar structures persist in other parts of Phuket, such as Patong. He asserted that these areas had not received as much attention to date.
Ploythale noted that the affected area was reminiscent of Bang Tao and stated that this issue is a priority the Prime Minister wishes to resolve, along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun. She underscored the presence of many influential individuals operating in Phuket and the need to address the root causes.
Nächste Schritte: Prüfung vor Ort angekündigt
Ploythale announced that the case will be presented to the Prime Minister and that an on-site inspection will be conducted, particularly concerning the construction on the disputed private property and the operations there. She proposed visiting the location to suggest countermeasures.
The on-site inspection aims to clarify the connections between the alleged extortionists and the involved public officials. The objective is to develop concrete recommendations for further action.