With the government of Thailand lifting the COVID travel restrictions tourism has begun to take an uptick. Indeed, such was the pent up demand for travel to Thailand that since the government opened up the country on October 1, 2022, the 10 millionth tourist’s arrival occurred this past week, a traveler from Saudi Arabia, who was honored as part of the “Amazing Thailand Million Celebrations” put on by the TAT (Thai Tourism).
With the influx of tourists, the influx of scam artists and those known as “tourist hunters” has also increased. To thwart the activities of these miscreants, additional police resources have been deployed to areas frequented by tourists.
Crime targeting tourists
Tourist need to be alert to the misdirection scam which is used by taxi and tuk-tuk (aka samlor) drivers who will redirect tourists away from establishments, often times with a tale of how the entity is closed and redirect them to one with which they have a relationship and/or is prepared to sell jewelry of little value (but made to appear as valuable).
In addition, there has been an increase in robbery and extortion efforts in the resort areas of Pattaya and Phuket, both known for the ubiquitous sex trade.
Thailand’s Tourist Police
The Bangkok Post shared how the tourist police are working with local officers, as well as immigration to deal with the issue and have posted warning signs at the airports, and other tourist locales. Furthermore, foreign visitors who encounter an issue may call an emergency number 1155, and be connected to a response center – the center supports English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, and Chinese.
In addition, all tourists should download the “Tourist Police I Lert U” mobile app to contact the tourist police around the clock. The app is in both English and Thai and is connected to the 1155 emergency response center.
“We are trying to make the most use of modern technology to support our work. We also put up signs at airports and other locations to encourage foreign visitors to download the app or contact the 1155 center,” Police Lt. Gen. Sukhun said.
The “I Lert U” app
When using this app, please do remember that for the app to work, the Thai Police must be able to track your whereabouts. The app load page details how you will be allowing the Thai Police to access your navigation to track your whereabouts (in order to send assistance, your identifiers, and your contact information. If you are a tourist is Thailand, without Thai language skills, this app should be on your smartphone so that you may summon immediate assistance, when needed.
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