New force files 400 cases against foreigners

Officials in Phuket intensify efforts to combat negative behavior

New force files 400 cases against foreigners
Tourists relax on the shore in Phuket. ( File photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran )

PHUKET: At least 400 legal cases have been filed against immigrants by the state’s fresh special task force set up to watch out for bad behavior by readers, according to Phuket government Sophon Suwannarat.

Following a number of foreign-related incidents, including the highly publicized case of a European guy who kicked a Thai woman on Yamu Beach in February, the center was established a month ago.

According to Mr. Sophon, nearly 100 immigrants have had their visa revoked, adding that it needed to be done for the sake of public health.

On Wednesday, a car driver in Thalang region was actually assaulted by an Austrian customer, leading to a small car crash.

According to Pol Col Patsakorn Sonthikul, the deputy chief of Phuket municipal officers, the Austrian, identified as Gernot Leoben, 59, put Wutthiporn Chaimongkol, the car driver, in a chokehold as they were heading from Phuket Airport to tambon Chalong.

After telling the customer not to smoke in the car, Mr. Wutthiporn claimed to have grabbed him from beyond.

On Thep Kasattree Road, the driver lost control of his vehicle and struck another front-wheeled vehicle driven by Thanongsak Sonpetch.

Mr. Thanongsak and a number of spectators assisted Mr. Wutthiporn when he called for assistance.

According to Pol Col Patsakorn, the Hungarian passenger was detained for assault and taken to Thalang Police Station.

In a associated development, US ambasador Robert Godec, on Thursday met the Phuket government to discuss security measures for visitors. Additionally, the two discussed ways to ensure that foreign visitors adhere to Indian customs and customs.