Scores arrested in Beach Games crime crackdown

PHUKET: An island-wide crime sweep during the Asian Beach Games resulted in more than 150 arrests and turned up scores of weapons, illegal drugs and counterfeit items, Phuket’s top cop revealed yesterday.

“We must maintain Phuket’s good image and uphold the policies of the Royal Thai Police. It is our job to keep everyone safe and to prevent crime,” Phuket Provincial Commander Patchara Boonyasit told a press conference yesterday.

“We must build up our prestige as a host of international events, such as the Asian Beach Games.”

Gen Patchara explained that 143 cases were cracked during the Games, during which 160 suspects were arrested.

In total, 98 rounds of ammunition; 37 knives and swords; one small ax; 12 firearms; 18,083 ya bah (methamphetamine) pills; 300.5 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine); 55 kilograms of kratom leaves; 105 grams of marijuana; 83.51 grams of heroin; three motorbikes and 183 counterfeit items were seized.

Gen Patchara also reviewed the results of a crackdown from November 1-7.

“We arrested 297 suspects involved in 250 cases during the Loy Krathong crackdown,” said Gen Patchara.

“When I took this position, I promised that I would protect people in Phuket from crime. That promise still stands.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong