The Thai PM has hit back at suggestions that Chinese police officers could soon be patrolling the streets of Thailand. Srettha Thavisin was responding to a statement from Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, when he explained away what he described as a miscommunication.
Thapanee had previously implied that having Chinese police on patrol in the kingdom would be one possible option to boost confidence among Chinese tourists.
“The cooperation will focus on certain periods in some locations which draw a lot of Chinese visitors.”
Thapanee’s statement prompted furious speculation on social media, from both Thai and foreign netizens. However, the PM says he has no intention of having Chinese police deployed on the streets of Thailand alongside their local counterparts, and that the suggestion was never made to the TAT Governor.
“Thai police must be solely in charge of patrol duties. Although the Thai police officials exchange crime information with the Chinese police, which is believed to provide more confidence to Chinese tourists, it does not mean the Thai government would allow Chinese police on Thai streets. This is a matter of miscommunication.”
According to a report from the Phuket Express, the PM says cooperation between the Chinese and Thai authorities will take the form of information-sharing only, in particular in relation to criminal activities being carried out by Chinese nationals in Thailand.
Srettha points out that when he met recently with the Chinese president, at no point did he discuss having Chinese police officers on patrol in Thailand. The PM emphasised that this point needs to be understood by all concerned parties.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
