Police Step Up Vigilance After Rape Attempt Of Tourist

October 12, 2012

The Royal Thai Police announced new security measures, after an Israeli tourist was nearly raped by a Burmese immigrant during a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island. The preventive measures will be centered around tourist areas in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani.

BANGKOK – October 11, 2012 [PDN]: In the aftermath of a rape attempt of a tourist by a Burmese man, police are implementing measures to help prevent such future attacks, said police spokesman Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Utayo, speaking from the Royal Thai Police Office.

In a recent incident, a Burmese immigrant tried to rape the Israeli woman on the beach during the September 30 Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan island. But the woman fought off her attacker, and he fled the scene.

However, police quickly arrested the suspect, an immigrant from Myanmar who came to work in the resort area. The resort owner had reported to police that the suspect was behaving suspiciously, and had suddenly asked to return home to attend a family funeral.

In order to most effectively protect the safety of foreigners and follow the government’s policy, the Royal Thai police is implementing the following polices:

First, there will be increased enforcement measures and tracking down of any illegal immigrants in areas such as ports of entry by border police officers, tourist police officers and other organizations, while coordinating efforts with the heads of police stations.

Second, any illegal immigrants will be arrested, to increase security for visiting foreigners in their area. There will be tighter control of all of immigrants to ensure they are not engaged in illegal work, especially in the Chonburi, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiangmai, and Surat Thani areas.

Third, all enforcement units will be working together in earnest at various checkpoints, including patrolling forces on foot, and officers stationed in tourist attraction spots, whose duties include keeping an eye on suspicious people, or people who were just released from jail after committing such crimes as rape, robbery, or theft.

Fourth, every enforcement unit in the area will be subject to the tactical control of the commanders, who will oversee their operations, but under the power of the area commissioners.