7 foreign tourists arrested in Pai for public nuisance
In a bold crackdown on disruptive behaviour, Pai Police arrested seven foreign tourists for causing public nuisance, including smoking cannabis in public. The arrests were made yesterday, February 24, as part of a campaign to maintain public order in the popular tourist destination.
Led by Police Colonel Samret Samsitong, Superintendent of Pai Police Station, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Nopphakhun Atthamathamkun, Inspector of Investigation, and Pol. Lt. Col. Kriangkrai Saensali, Inspector of Traffic Control, the operation was conducted in collaboration with Pai District Public Health.
Officers set up the Pai Police Station Operations Centre on the bustling walking street in Pai district, a hotspot for tourists. Officers patrolled the area, advising tourists against illegal activities such as public cannabis use and issuing fines at the operations centre.
The crackdown resulted in the arrest of seven foreigners for the charge of acting in any way to cause distress or annoyance to others. The nationalities of those arrested include one British, two Dutch, one American, two Spanish, and one Israeli tourist, revealed a police spokesperson.
“We are committed to maintaining public order and ensuring that all tourists follow the law. Smoking cannabis in public places is prohibited, and offenders will be penalised.”
This latest crackdown comes as Pai, known for its laid-back vibe and scenic landscapes, grapples with the challenges of increased tourism and the impact of cannabis decriminalisation. Locals and business owners have voiced concerns over public disturbances linked to cannabis use and other unruly behaviour.
To tackle these issues, the police have intensified patrols in tourist hotspots, focusing on educating visitors about local laws while enforcing penalties for those who break them.
The Pai Police urged all tourists to be respectful of Thai laws and local customs, emphasising that public nuisance offences will not be tolerated. They also warned that further operations will continue to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for both locals and visitors.
The crackdown has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some praising the police for taking action to maintain order, while others argue for clearer regulations on cannabis use, reported KhaoSod.
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