Police urge closure of park at night

PHUKET CITY: Pol Col Paween Pongsirin, Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station, has made a formal request to Phuket City Municipality to close Rama IX Park (Suan Luang) between 10 pm and 4 am, because of the rising number of crimes committed in the park. Col Paween told the Gazette, “Suan Luang is a public place and is open 24 hours a day. The police check the park regularly, but we cannot cover all the dangerous areas, such as in buildings and along small paths, all the time. “Criminals use these places for taking drugs, robbing people and committing sex crimes. We have sent a formal request to the municipality and are now waiting for their answer.” For years Suan Luang Park has been open overnight so that residents who live to the west of the park can drive through to their homes from Chao Fa Rd. Phuket City Municipality Chief Administrative Officer Wirun Hengsawas told the Gazette that Col Paween’s request will be considered on Monday.