Phuket task force files 400 cases against foreigners

Authorities on the holiday island make more efforts to stop negative behavior.

Phuket task 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 fortnight ago.

According to Mr. Sophon, nearly 100 immigrants have had their visas revoked, adding that this action was necessary for 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 Hungarian, 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 never to smoke in the car, Mr. Wutthiporn claimed to have grabbed him from behind.

The driver lost control of his car and struck another vehicle in top driven by Thanongsak Sonpetch on Thep Kasattree Road.

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 rape 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 how to ensure that foreign tourists adhere to Indian customs and laws.