Phuket province has initiated its Phuket Crime-Free campaign in an effort to eradicate criminal activities and unlawful enterprises. The program is intended to increase tourist confidence and make the city a safer place to live and visit.
The program targets improper conduct, unlawful actions, harmful behaviors, and disruptions of peace and order. It also targets overseas criminals who attempt to operate in Thailand and ruin the country’s reputation.
Since 1 December, officials have detained six foreign citizens for overstaying their visas, fined 117 foreigners, arrested a migrant worker for violating his authorization, and filed charges against three tour operators and businesses operating without a license. The province expects that these measures will instill greater confidence in the city’s visitors during their visits.
In addition to assisting foreign nationals who fall victim to scams, immigration officers are also striving to assist foreign nationals who are victims of fraud. Thai nationals acting as fraudulent visa agents face a total of fifteen accusations.