Phuket slow loris touts escape officials

PHUKET: The Chief of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Conservation Centre in Thalang said that a recent inspection of Karon Beach following telephone calls directly to him stating slow loris touts were working the beach led to no arrests as the touts had disappeared by the time he had arrived.

animals, crime, tourism,

Shela Riva

Thursday 14 December 2017, 09:59AM

This photo of a slow loris tout on Karon Beach was sent to The Phuket News on Monday Dec 10. Photo: Supplied

Speaking to The Phuket News yesterday (Dec 13), Chief of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Conservation Centre Mr Piyawat Sukon said, “We went to inspect Karon Beach again yesterday (Dec 12) after we received a report that there was a problem between umbrella operators and the touts, as umbrella operators disagree with touts bringing animals onto the beach.

“The touts had either run away or were hiding. We could not find any suspects,” said Mr Piyawat.

“However, be assured that we will check again soon,” he added.

Last Thursday (Dec 7), Mr Piyawat told The Phuket News that he welcomed anyone to report sightings of illegal possession and mistreatment of wild animals directly to him on 089-873-7749.

“You can report these sightings to me directly. I speak basic English, if you are a foreigner, please speak simply and say what animal you saw, where, and when, or other important details,” he added. (See story here.)

Comment on this story

Kurt | 15 December 2017 - 13:12:20

Touting by thai law is illegal and a crime.
The 'highly trained' police is for us, society, to prevent and fight crime.
That includes touting of any kind.
They can not hide themselves behind kinder garden level excuses, just because plain clothes police officers don't want to stroll the hot sand beaches. Right?

The idea that the 'highly trained' police would not be mandat...

Jor12 | 14 December 2017 - 16:19:22

Maybe its's because it's not a Police or Navy matter. They are highly trained in matters that don't concern animals or touts nor are they mandated to do so.

Nasa12 | 14 December 2017 - 12:16:22

Back in Kata Beach today and pay money in the morning to the Office under the Fotball field in Karon, this Blue car driving every morning and give some fine to every buddy some work in the street + picture, I have sen this fine and now name only call name.

Rorri_2 | 14 December 2017 - 10:53:54

With the po-lice and navy, on patrol, why is it ALWAYS so hard to catch these, or any, touts, any school kid could fi d them, but not these trained, professionals.

Discover Thainess | 14 December 2017 - 10:52:51