Army palms off reports of Phuket massage parlor crackdown

PHUKET: The island’s leading Army officer today debunked reports that soldiers in Phuket were raiding massage parlors in Patong.

“We have no intention of cracking down on massage parlors or any other service businesses at the moment,” assured Col Somchai Ponatong of the 41st Military Circle.

“Officers from the Revenue Department were carrying out inspections to ensure that massage parlors were not avoiding paying any taxes.”

The soldiers just went along for the ride.

“It was nothing against those people,” explained Col Somchai. “Revenue officers asked to see any certificates staff had in order to confirm they were qualified in their chosen profession as part of the standard inspection procedure.”

No shop owners were arrested during the inspections.

“The revenue officers checked and collected information for further investigations of tax payments,” said Col Somchai.

Col Somchai urged people to relax, but obey the law.

“Please do not panic when you see soldiers or other military personnel joining local officers on any patrols. Just carry on with your usual activities, but keep in mind to obey the law,” he said.

— Chutharat Plerin