
BANGKOK — Thai police are intensifying efforts to restore confidence in the country’s tourism safety following recent incidents involving foreign tourists, including the high-profile case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was lured by a call center gang through Thailand to a neighboring country.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitt-rat Panpetch has established the Tourist Safety Operations Center (TSOC), with Pol. Gen. Prakhuab Wongsuk appointed as director. The center aims to coordinate security measures nationwide between local police forces and tourist police to systematically enhance visitor safety.
“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.

TSOC will work closely with the Tourist Police Bureau, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuek-am, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to implement comprehensive security measures.
A key initiative is the “Thailand Tourist Police” application, launched on December 12, 2024. The app allows tourists to send messages, photos, and location data for inquiries or emergency assistance. It connects to the 1155 emergency center, which provides 24-hour service in eight languages and coordinates with the 191 emergency hotline for immediate response.

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.
The establishment of 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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