Thai police are stepping up efforts to restore confidence in the country’s tourism safety following several incidents involving foreign visitors, including the notable case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was lured across the Thai border into a neighboring country by a call center gang.
To address these concerns, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitt-rat Panpetch has established the Tourist Safety Operations Center (TSOC), appointing Pol. Gen. Prakhuab Wongsuk as its director.
The center’s goal is to facilitate coordinated security operations across the country by linking local and tourist police forces to bolster the safety of visitors.
“The government prioritizes crime prevention and the comprehensive protection of foreign tourists’ lives and property to maintain Thailand’s reputation as a trusted travel destination,” stated Pol. Gen. Prakhuab.
TSOC will collaborate with the Tourist Police Bureau, headed by Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuek-am, as well as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to roll out robust security strategies.
An important part of these efforts is the new “Thailand Tourist Police” app, introduced on December 12, 2024. This application enables tourists to transmit text messages, photos, and their locations for help or emergency support.
The app links directly to the 1155 emergency service, which operates around the clock in eight languages, and coordinates with the 191 emergency hotline to provide prompt assistance.
Additionally, the initiative involves cooperation with foreign embassies to improve safety measures for tourists and tackle immediate issues related to tourism. On its launch day, Pol. Gen.
Tatchai Pitaneelaboot, the leader of the team that rescued Wang Xing from Myanmar, discussed enhancing efforts against human trafficking and transnational crime with Thai and Chinese officials.
A new Thai-Chinese police coordination center is being set up to focus on locating missing individuals, investigating call center frauds, and enhancing border security to protect tourists and curb illegal activities.
This joint effort seeks to strengthen border defenses and tackle online fraud, specifically targeting the operations of call center gangs that involve both Thais and foreigners in unlawful acts.