Officials have promised to investigate and crack down on alleged “foreign mafia gangs” operating in Phuket. The claim was made by Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party, following a recent visit to Phuket.
In the past, local officials have repeatedly denied any ‘foreign mafias’ operating on the island.
Thanakorn says Phuket is a “popular destination among foreign tourists”, but that “the quantity is greater than the quality”, in terms of businesses operating on the island. He adds that many street vendors and other workers in the tourism sector claim that foreign mafia gangs, for the most part Russian, are taking over Thai businesses.
According to a report from the Pattaya News, Thanakorn says most of those involved aren’t afraid of the law as they bribe corrupt officials. He says he will report back on his findings to Anutin Charnvirakul, the Minister for the Interior.
Anutin himself has also raised the matter of foreign criminals operating in Phuket, calling on the island’s officials to take urgent action. He also said it was unacceptable for foreign criminals to have any authority over Thai locals and those elements would need to go.
Meanwhile, Thanakorn has also raised the issue of traffic congestion, a longstanding problem on the island. It’s understood PM Srettha Thavisin has weighed in on the matter, telling Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and other relevant agencies to expand routes to Phuket Airport.
SOURCE: The Pattaya News
