The Phuket crimefree project has demonstrated notable success with over 1,000 foreigners apprehended for overstaying their visas. This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of 800 accommodation providers and the local Phuket Immigration Office. ## Strengthening Law Enforcement through Cooperation
An unfortunate incident recently occurred in Pathum Thani, where a dispossessed former homeowner, Decha Phayakkha (66), allegedly killed the new owner, Kamolporn Donthong (52). The tragic event took place on Tuesday afternoon. Decha eventually surrendered to the police later that night.
Pol Maj Gen Ekkaraj Limsangkat, the commander of the Highway Police Division, faced an unexpected transfer to an inactive post at the Operations Centre of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Tuesday. The reassignment comes after allegations surfaced of receiving kickbacks from overloaded lorries. The transfer order, effective immediately, was signed by CIB chief Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej. In the meantime, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the commander of the AntiCorruption Division (ACD), has taken over Pol Maj Gen Ekkaraj’s position until further notice.
Surat Thani, a popular resort province in Thailand, has experienced a significant increase in international visitor numbers this year. According to the provincial governor, more than 1.5 million foreign visitors have arrived since January, representing a 155% increase from the same period last year.
On May 17, 2023, a practical training session was held at Yai Phan Farm in the Ang Thong Subdistrict of Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. The event focused on using biological agents as a means for controlling, preventing, and eradicating plant diseases and pests. The initiative was part of a broader project aimed at managing various plant diseases and pests throughout the fiscal year 2023.
Ko Samui, a beautiful island in Thailand, has been facing challenges related to plastic waste management. To address this issue, the Ko Samui Municipality, together with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Thailand), have launched an initiative called the Plastic Smart Cities project. The primary aim of this joint effort is to reduce plastic waste in the area by 30% by 2024.
The Thai Government has reported that more than 1 million Chinese tourists have visited the country since the start of the year. This indicates a growing confidence among Chinese visitors in Thailand’s tourism industry, following the Covid19 pandemic. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri attributes this success to the collective efforts of agencies involved in regaining the trust of international tourists and maintaining Thailand’s status as a popular global tourism destination.
The Koh Samui Municipality is dedicated to improving public health and wellbeing in the region. On May 29, 2023, at the Phet Samui Conference Room, a meeting was held to discuss the acceptance and allocation of the budget from the Koh Samui Municipal Health Security Fund. The purpose of the meeting was to allocate funds to 39 village health projects, which focus on four key areas of public health. These projects aim to screen, prevent, and control various diseases and health conditions. A total budget of 2,559,254 baht was approved for the implementation of 153 projects.
Accused contract killer Matthew Dupre, wanted for the shooting of Indian gangster Jimi Sandhu in Phuket on February 4, 2022, has been quietly extradited to Thailand to face a murder charge. Last week, 10 members of the CSD’s Hanuman special weapons and tactics unit, led by Pol Col Wichak Tarom, a deputy CSD commander, and 30 members of a Royal Thai Air Force special operations unit, left Don Mueang airport on a special Airbus A340 flight for Vancouver, Canada, to bring Dupre back to Thailand.
In a recent drug bust operation, the Region 3 Provincial Police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, managed to seize 150 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrest two men. The capture took place on Mitrapap Highway in Pathai district, where a checkpoint was set up after authorities received a tipoff about two sedans carrying drugs through the area.