Phuket Provincial Police are coordinating with other agencies to crack down on international criminals residing on the island to boost confidence among tourists and the public at large.
The operation is part of the crime-free measures Phuket is currently rolling out, through the cooperation of related agencies including provincial land transport, employment offices and the Phuket Provincial Police and tourist police, Phuket deputy governor Arnuparb Rodkhwan Yodrabam said yesterday.
“The move is also in line with a policy of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, as well as the Royal Thai Police, that requires officials to check whether or not certain foreigners who stay in Thailand are involved in any illegal activities that cause danger to people and affect the country’s reputation,” Mr Arnuparb said.
He said the island’s governor, Narong Woonciew, agreed to proceed with Phuket’s crime-free measures that were introduced last December, by asking for the cooperation of apartment or hotel owners to monitor their foreign tenants.
So far, agencies involved have helped police nab two Russian nationals for cryptocurrency theft after obtaining their foreign visitor data under Section 38 of the Immigration Act.
Police also arrested a French national wanted on an Interpol Red Notice who was overstaying in the kingdom. They also caught a Mongolian gang for theft.
A Swedish national with an Interpol Red Notice was also busted with the cooperation of an independent school.
The provincial governor is allowing police to take action against misbehaving foreigners, first with a warning and then deportation.