PATTAYA, Thailand – In an effort to enhance the safety and appeal of Pattaya as a premier tourist destination, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakhuansong, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, spearheaded a strategic meeting focused on the “Big Cleaning Pattaya” initiative. This operation, is focused on police presence and raids of problematic drug and crime areas, like recent work done on Jomtien Sois 2 and 3 that we covered here.
The meeting, held at the Pattaya City Police Operations Center, was attended by key law enforcement figures including Pol. Col. Chatree Suksiri and Pol. Col. Patikorn Sonchai, both Deputy Commanders of Chonburi Provincial Police, alongside Mr. Ponchai Sang-iet, Deputy District Officer of Bang Lamung District, and Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Chief Inspector of the Pattaya Tourist Police Station. Representatives from various local police stations and immigration authorities were also present.
During the session, the focus was on outlining operational tactics to address prevalent issues like drug dens, homelessness, and other activities that detract from the city’s tourist-friendly image. The strategy includes setting up 10 checkpoints, with eight targeting drug dens and two focused on areas where homeless individuals congregate.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat emphasized the importance of these measures in maintaining Pattaya’s status as a world-class tourist destination. He highlighted that the operation is part of a broader initiative following successful prior campaigns in two other regions, which received positive feedback from both residents and visitors.
“The influx of both Thai and international tourists makes Pattaya a focal point for our efforts to combat drug problems, transnational crimes, and the presence of illegal aliens,” stated Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat. He further elaborated on the integrated approach involving multiple sectors including Bang Lamung District, Pattaya City administration, public health officers, and social welfare departments from Chonburi.
In the coming months, particularly over the next six months, there will be intensified campaigns to block and raid targeted areas at least twice monthly. This crackdown will extend beyond Pattaya to include efforts from neighboring police stations like Bang Lamung, Nong Prue, and Na Chom Thian, all committed to a sustained campaign against drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
