Thailand implements new safety measures to rebuild tourist confidence

The case of Chinese actor Wang Xing being lured to eastern Myanmar by a telecom fraud ring operating through Thailand has drawn widespread attention. Concerns over Thailand's safety conditions have impacted its tourism industry, which is a key pillar of the country's economy. On January 12, the Royal Thai Police held a press conference to announce enhanced measures for safeguarding tourist safety, aiming to restore international visitors' confidence.

According to Thai media reports, National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitt-rat Panpetch has established the Tourist Safety Operations Center (TSOC), with Pol. Gen. Prakhuab Wongsuk was appointed as director. The center aims to coordinate security measures nationwide between local police forces and tourist police to enhance visitor safety systematically.

Additionally, Thai police have launched the "Thailand Tourist Police" mobile app, which allows tourists to directly send messages, photos, and location data to request assistance, report incidents, or make inquiries. The app provides 24-hour translation services in eight languages and works in conjunction with emergency response centers to handle urgent situations.

"The government prioritizes crime prevention and comprehensive protection of foreign tourists' lives and property to maintain Thailand's reputation as a trusted travel destination," stated Pol. Gen. Prakhuab.

The initiative also includes collaboration with foreign embassies in Thailand to enhance tourist safety protocols and address urgent tourism-related issues. On the same day, Pol. Gen. Tatchai Pitaneelaboot, who led the rescue operation of actor Wang Xing from Myanmar, met with Thai and Chinese officials to discuss cooperation in combating human trafficking and transnational crime.

Establishing a Thai-Chinese police coordination center will focus on tracking missing persons, investigating call center scams, and strengthening border control measures to ensure tourist safety and prevent illegal activities.

This collaborative effort aims to reinforce border security and combat online scams, particularly focusing on call center gangs that force both Thai and foreign nationals into criminal activities.

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