New Pattaya Police Chief Begins Promised Clean-up of City

New Pattaya Police Chief Begins Promised Clean-up of City

Tourist safety is among the highest priorities of the new Pattaya Police Commissioner as he enlists the aid of army of baht bus and taxi drivers to keep a vigilant watch on potential crime.

Pattaya, 9 March, 2010 [PDN]: Police Colonel Nanthawut Suwanla-ong,  Pattaya ‘s new Police Commissioner, his deputy and their team held a meeting with 200 Baht Bus and motorbike taxi drivers at Cesar Palace Hotel, Pattaya 2nd Road, to concentrate on implementing  tourist safety measures and crime prevention.
Police Colonel Suwanla-ong announced to the gathering his alarm at the recent rise in crimes in the Pattaya region, particularly those involving theft, snatch and grab and robbery in general, especially as it affects tourists.  Accordingly, the Police are doing their utmost to improve tourist protection, specifically by enlisting the help of over 10,000 baht bus and motorbike taxi drivers, who, being at the grass roots level, have a great part to pay in this new crime prevention campaign, by remaining constantly vigilant, reporting crimes and even preventing them before they happen. As an inducement, rewards of up to Bt2,000 per case are being offered, particularly if the culprits are successfully prosecuted.
The Pattaya Police Commissioner also pointed out that research has indicated the significant role that drug-taking plays in crime commission, due to the constant need to find the wherewithal to buy expensive drugs. As a result, urine testing will be stepped up to identify drug users; the results to be used subsequently as evidence in prosecutions or rehabilitation treatment as and where necessary.

The Pattaya Police Commissioner, who was interviewed recently by PDN’s editor-in-chief, also passed on the message to foreigners living or visiting Pattaya that they should pay more attention to their motor bikes, whether hired or their own, as regards self-vigilance. He said it would be a good idea if they took photos of their bikes to make for easy reporting, identification and follow ups in the event of theft and to always lock and park them properly. Police Colonel Suwanla-ong also wishes to warn foreigners that any drink and drive offenders will be dealt with severly, including being arrested if the case merits it.