AMERICAS MOST WANTED Thai Immigration Targets Phuket

Posted: 22 Mar 2010 | 6:00 am

In a recent interview with the head of Thai Immigration Commissioner Wuthi Liptapallop, the Bangkok Post quoted him as saying "foreign criminals hide and conduct illegal activities, but they do, especially in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Phuket."

He went on to say they have a list of over 1,000 arrest warrants for foreigners issued by Thai Courts.

While Thailand certainly has a history being able to shelter some who evade justice overseas, certainly the recent high profile Russian Viktor Bout case in which he is accused to be an international arms dealer along the lines of "Lord of War" , this has created more pressure in high Government circles.

That given, it's highly unlikely that large number of international criminals would move to places like Phuket or Koh Samui, which frankly are just too small to be another face in the crowd. Over the years Bangkok and its environs have historically allowed those on the lamb with its small sois, large population and ability to blend into the crowd for a relatively safe haven. For now we'd hope there are no 'witch hunts' in the islands but a pragmatic Thailand wide initiative.

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