Last month Hua-Hin Today had the opportunity to meet with Police Major General Kasana Jamsawang, Commander of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police and Colonel Sittichai Srisopacharoenrat, the Superintendent of the Hua Hin Police.
Apart from gaining a greater understanding of the issues faced by police in managing any problems faced by foreigners visiting or living in Hua Hin, this was an opportunity to introduce Visa Chimdee in her new position as General Manager of our publication. As Hua Hin Today is the only English language newspaper in Hua Hin, a renewed offer was made by her to communicate important information in our newspaper from the police to foreigners either visiting or living in Hua Hin. The police describe the level of serious crime in Hua Hin as low when compared with many other towns and cities in Thailand and for that matter worldwide. Incidents of personal theft, including ‘snatch and grab’ and minor assaults are the most common offences reported, although such incidents remain infrequent. Additionally a high rate of apprehension and resolution for victims has been achieved.
In a number of Thailand locations where there are a significant number of tourists, including Phuket and Pattaya, Foreign Police Volunteers programs assist communication between the police and foreigners. Volunteers may mediate when there is a dispute involving the police or local people and provide advice and information to foreigners experiencing difficulty. Volunteers may be placed at Police Stations or patrol in areas where foreigners are prominent.
The establishment of such a service is under active consideration and may become a future project for Hua Hin. Finally Pol. Col. Sittichai commented on illegal drug use and distribution. He warned that illegal drug activities, including personal use or possession is a serious matter. There already is a strict policy in place throughout Thailand which provides severe penalties to tackle drug use.
The Hua Hin police are optimistic about the future of Hua Hin as a ‘safe haven’ for foreigners. The goal of achieving a ‘crime free’ status may never be realised. However with the ongoing vigilance of the police, the cooperation of the community and the common sense and goodwill of our visitors, the reality of Hua Hin maintaining high levels of safety seems assured.
