Chiang Rai Times
Thailand’s Tourist Police Target Con Artists Preying on Tourists
Thailand celebrated 10 million foreign tourist arrivals for the year on Saturday, with celebrations taking place at seven airports and two immigration checkpoints. Now scam artists and criminals are back on the prowl in Thailand now that the country has reopened to foreign tourists, so tourist police are stepping up efforts to protect foreign visitors.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry hosted an event called “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” to highlight the steady recovery of the vital tourism industry following a Covid-induced downturn that lasted more than two years.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was at Suvarnabhumi Airport to greet the year’s ten millionth visitor, who arrived on a flight from Saudi Arabia.
According to Pol Lt Gen Sukhun Prommayon, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau (TPB), the majority of visitors come from neighboring countries, with Malaysia having the highest number, followed by India, Laos, Cambodia, and Singapore.
Visitors from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany are also arriving in large numbers, he said, adding that police are implementing measures to ensure tourist safety.
He told the Bangkok Post that bicycle, motorcycle, and car patrols are being increased in several provinces with major tourist attractions.
Scammers have returned to Thailand
With the influx of foreign visitors, he said, con artists are returning to the streets to prey on overseas visitors in tourist hotspots.
Con artists, including taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, are frequently seen near the entrances to major tourist attractions or temples. They inform unsuspecting foreigners that the store is “closed” and direct them elsewhere to shop.
Some victims are taken to tailors or jewelry stores, where they are duped into purchasing low-quality or worthless items at exorbitant prices, according to Pol Lt Gen Sukhun.
Tourist police are collaborating with immigration and local officers to address the issue, and warning signs have been placed at airports and other tourist destinations.
Foreign visitors can contact the TPB’s emergency response center by dialing 1155, which can provide assistance in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Indian, and Arabic, he said.
They can also use the free “Tourist Police I Lert U” mobile app to contact police around the clock if they require assistance. The app, which is available in English and Thai, is linked to the emergency response center 1155.
Those in need of assistance can take a photo of an incident and upload it through the app to contact the TPB, which will dispatch officers to the scene immediately.
“We are trying to make the most use of modern technology to support our work. “We also put up signs at airports and other locations encouraging foreign visitors to download the app or contact the 1155 center,” Pol Lt Gen Sukhun explained.
