PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut
highlighted the good work done by the Phuket Tourist Police this morning, about
a month after the reputation of the department was tarnished by an ex-member
becoming a drug dealer.
Phuket Tourist Police Inspector
Urumporn Koondejsumrit was asked to attend the governor’s monthly meeting and
speak about the opportunities for expats to become involved with the
organization.
Phuket Tourist Police and volunteers
stand at the ready to help visitors on the island. Photo: Chutharat Plerin.
“You must be willing to help others without
expecting anything in return,” Maj Urumporn said. “You also must be healthy
and, above all, you must not be involved in any criminal behavior.”
Maj Urumporn conveyed is disappointment
with the recent fall from grace of well-known ex-Tourist Police Volunteer Garry
Halpin, who confessed to dealing ya ice (crystal
methamphetamine).
“We are sorry about this case
[story here]. However, before he was arrested Gary
helped us a lot,” Maj Urumporn said.
“He did it [drug delaing] as part of
his personal life. We cannot control his life after work,” Maj Urumporn added.
Highlighting the good work done by the
Tourist Police and their volunteers, Maj Urumporn cited the recent rescue of a
French family from the jungle (story here).
“We handle a lot of situations like
this,” he said.
The Tourist Police have 36 foreign
volunteers from 16 countries and 18 Thai volunteers. Tourists can call 1155 at
anytime if they are in need of assistance, or they can speak with officers
posted near the Bangla police box (maphere).
“We are all volunteering to help
tourists on the island,” long-term Tourist Police Volunteer Khan Sameer said.
“We are working to find solutions for everyone on the island.”
(Chutharat Plerin - phuketgazette.net)