13-11-2023 (BANGKOK) In a bid to enhance the sense of security for Chinese tourists, Thai authorities are contemplating allowing Chinese police officers to join patrols in key tourist cities across the country. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), disclosed this decision on Sunday following a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The primary focus of the meeting centred on addressing security concerns and ensuring the quality of services provided to tourists throughout their stay in Thailand.
Thapanee emphasized that collaboration between TAT, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, and the chiefs of the Central Investigation Bureau and Tourist Police is essential to achieve these objectives. Discussions regarding the deployment of Chinese police for patrols in major Thai tourist cities are scheduled with the Chinese embassy on November 15. The inspiration for this policy stems from a successful model employed in Italy, although the specific cities for its implementation have not yet been disclosed.
The initiative is anticipated to contribute towards the goal of hosting up to 4.4 million Chinese tourists in the final two months of this year.
Thapanee remarked, “It is necessary to have Chinese police in Thailand because it will help us show Chinese tourists that Thailand is enhancing its security measures. Also, the travellers’ confidence will be boosted if their police officers can confirm that Thailand is safe.”
Chinese tourist arrivals have experienced a slowdown following a recent shooting incident in a Bangkok mall, where a 14-year-old went on a shooting spree, resulting in the death of one Chinese tourist and the injury of another.
In a separate discussion before departing for the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, Prime Minister Srettha addressed various issues, including concerns about stickers placed on trucks by highway police after accepting bribes and efforts to combat pork smuggling.
Expressing frustration, Srettha questioned law-enforcement officials about the progress in resolving the pork smuggling problem. He highlighted directives issued to address the issue and sought an explanation for the apparent lack of progress.
The premier also addressed a recent scandal where concrete sheets covering a hole in a Bangkok road collapsed under the weight of an overloaded truck. The truck, reportedly carrying a special sticker indicating a bribe had been paid, was allowed to pass through checkpoints without being weighed.
