Tourist Police launch nationwide high season crackdown

Tourist Police have launched a nationwide high season crackdown on scams, overcharging and theft targeting visitors, with the kick-off ceremony held in Hua Hin and broadcast live to the force's stations across Thailand. The operation runs through the busiest travel weeks of the year and follows an earlier deployment of officers in Patong.

According to a report by The Thaiger, Tourist Police Commissioner Phongsiam Meekhanthong led the send-off at the Hua Hin clock tower in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The event was streamed to all 33 of the force's stations around the country.

Why the Tourist Police chose Hua Hin

The commissioner said Hua Hin was picked for the launch because the seaside town is famous and popular with both Thai and foreign holidaymakers. Its beaches, night markets and hotels draw large crowds at weekends and during holidays.

The campaign follows a policy set by the national police chief for the peak weeks, when large numbers of Thai and international travellers are on the move at the same time.

What officers will watch for

Officers have been told to concentrate on festival venues and crowded areas. Their main targets are:

• scams aimed at tourists;
• overcharging by vendors and service providers;
• theft in busy public places;
• water accidents at beaches and other swimming spots;
• injuries caused by fireworks and firecrackers.

The last two points reflect the festival calendar. Loy Krathong, the countdown to the New Year and other celebrations bring crowds to beaches, rivers and lakes, and fireworks are a common part of the fun.

After the formal ceremony, the commissioner walked through the Hua Hin night market, chatting with residents, stall holders and visitors about safety.

Phuket was first in line

The Hua Hin event came four days after the commissioner sent 100 officers, volunteers and lifeguards onto Soi Bangla in Patong. That deployment, which we covered in our report on the Phuket Tourist Police high season operation, also covered the Loy Krathong festival on the island.

Phuket is usually one of the first places where high season problems show up, from taxi disputes to jet ski damage claims. Readers can find a full rundown of common tricks in our guide to Phuket tourist scams, and our Loy Krathong in Phuket page explains where the island's biggest festival crowds gather.

How to get help

Anyone who feels unsafe, believes they have been cheated or needs assistance can call the dedicated hotline on 1155. The line is staffed 24 hours a day.

Travellers can reduce their risk of trouble during the high season with a few simple habits:

• agree on prices for taxis, tuk-tuks, boats and rentals before the trip starts;
• take photos of rented scooters or jet skis before using them;
• keep passports locked away and carry a copy instead;
• swim only at beaches with lifeguards and obey red warning flags;
• keep a safe distance from fireworks at festivals and parties.

What it means for visitors

Thailand's tourism industry relies heavily on the months from November to April and on visitors feeling safe. A visible police presence at markets, beaches and nightlife streets is meant to reassure travellers and deter people who prey on them.

For holidaymakers in Phuket, the practical message is simple: uniformed officers at markets, beaches and piers are there to help, and the 1155 hotline is the fastest way to reach them. Reporting problems quickly also gives officers the best chance of recovering money or property and stopping the same trick from being used on other visitors.

Image: a patrol car of the kind used in the Tourist Police high season crackdown. Photo by Sergey via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 2.0.