The Hua Hin Tourist Police Commander recently opened a new Tourist Police Station to serve as a focal point between local and public sectors in taking care of Thai and foreign visitors during both the high and low seasons.
The Tourist Police Commander of Bangkok Pol. Maj. Gen. Roy Ingkapairot, said that the Tourist Police Station is located near to the walkway down to Hua Hin beach. The building enjoys a unique architectural design that emphasizes a traditional Hua Hin identity resembling the Hua Hin Train Station. Designed by the owner of Hua Hin Artist Village Mr. Thawee Kesa-ngam, it was painted red and cream with red tiles on the roof and a bell at the front door. Such distinctive features will attract tourists’ attention and promote a good image for Hua Hin and its architectural heritage.
Talking about the Songkran Festival in Hua Hin, Pol. Maj. Gen. Roy said that he has asked tourist police in Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Kanchanaburi, Bangkok and Hua Hin to work with local police and coordinate with travel agencies, hotels, guesthouses and volunteers as ‘tourist buddies’. This is to take care of visitors and travelers and protect them from any crimes and business cheating during the long holiday.
In dealing with some foreigners including Europeans, Scandinavians and Asians who stay in Thailand and form international crime rings, Pol. Maj. Gen. Roy said that Thai police had already discussed this issue with foreign embassies in Thailand to prevent any problems from occurring in the future.
“During the first four months of 2013, crimes by foreigners has sharply dropped because Thai police have enforced strict and active measures with travel agents and rental car companies. Decrease in crime rates in Thailand improves the country’s image as a tourist destination for foreigners,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Roy.
Many foreigners visit Thailand to admire natural tourist attractions, especially Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi and Pattaya. This results in an increased income for hoteliers, restaurateurs and guest house owners. Pol. Maj. Gen. Roy asked them not to take advantage of any visitors but show them traditional Thai culture to boost the local image of each tourist attraction.
Although the Thai government supports the work of police and tourist police, the number of the officers is still insufficient. In Hua Hin there are only 14 tourist police, so Pol. Maj. Gen. Roy is requesting more officers to work in Hua Hin for the sake of efficiency and convenience.
