PHUKET: Complaints from tourists have prompted Patong Municipality to launch a campaign to rid Soi Bangla of touts who charge tourists for having their photos taken with slow lorises, a protected species.
Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban explained to the Phuket Gazette that the campaign uses the coordinated efforts of the Phuket Environmental Conservation Unit of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), local police and Patong Municipality.
“We have been conducting raids since the beginning of October and so far we have arrested more than 10 people,” said Mr Chairat.
“We will continue making raids as we can see the number of people making money from these activities is decreasing,” he added.
Mr Chairat added that the campaign will also soon start targeting migrant beggars, flower vendors and “any other service that annoys tourists”.
— Kritsada Mueanhawong
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