There seems to be a crime wave in Rawai. In the past few weeks, crimes ranging from people’s bags getting stolen on the beach, to burglaries, to people getting mugged and being seriously injured, have occurred.

It was to be expected that the crime rate would rise as a result of the downturn in business this low season. But this is getting quite serious. Is anything being done about it?

Has anybody been arrested? Property developers and their problems get a lot of attention but this rise in crime is surely also a big threat to the economic wellbeing of Phuket.

“Each case takes time to investigate. Recently, we caught two men who mugged a German couple. Now we are investigating another case.

Crimes sometimes happen in places where there are not many people around. There are not a lot of tourists on the island at the moment. Some tourists who travel alone like to go to isolated places.

Chalong Police patrol where there are tourists. Officers are also sent to check places with red boxes [that indicate the occupants are away and the home needs to be monitored] every two hours.

Police take turns to check areas such as Nai Harn and the Kata viewpoint every two hours. Clearly, however, there’s a gap between the checks.

I suggest tourists avoid risks by not taking too many valuables with them. When riding a motorbike, they shouldn’t put cameras and valuable items in the front basket. They shouldn’t go to isolated places alone, or even in pairs.

Some foreigners run pubs or restaurants that stay open until late. Some then have to travel, carrying money, to their homes. I suggest they call 191 and ask for an officer to accompany them.

In an emergency, you can call me at 01-6778833, the crime suppression unit at Chalong Police Station at 01-8930845 or Pol Capt Pongnarin Suthin at 01-9700108. We’re available around the clock.”