Expat Volunteer Police Officers in Phuket on Strike

 | Wed 5 Mar 2014 15:07 ICT

CityNews – Upon the dismissal of Patong Police Superintendent Chiraphat Pochanaphan, several expat volunteer police officers in Phuket have decided to go on strike. 

The removal of Superintendent Pochanaphan came after a series of strikes made by local tuk tuk drivers, in response to their perceived unfair treatment in contrast to the treatment received by taxi drivers from the Phuket police force.

According to Phuket News, the expat police officers will be on strike until the local force creates a clearer structure of their responsibilities. The group of volunteer expat police officers is best known for their highly praised patrols of the Pratong area at night; during their break from the Phuket force, many of the volunteers will work with and assist Royal Thai police officers on tourist matters.

Sen Sgt Maj Wichai Boonruen states, “The Tourist Police Hotline 1155 is also still functioning as usual, with officers ready to answer calls 24 hours a day.”