On May 9th, Hong Kong News Network reported that the recent illegal and criminal activities of domestic and foreign tourists in various provinces of Thailand have had a negative impact on Thailand's tourism image and caused anxiety among residents in many areas, according to Asit Samparat, Executive Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Interior.

Information picture: Tourists visiting the Grand Palace scenic area in Bangkok, Thailand. (Source: Xinhua News Agency)

Asit Sampanlat expressed that Prime Minister Anutin is extremely concerned about this and has instructed relevant agencies, including administrative, security, and tourism departments, to strengthen publicity and education for business operators and tourists. He also ordered all government administrative agencies, police forces, and relevant institutions to strictly enforce the law and implement preventive measures. Any illegal behavior must be resolutely punished and never tolerated.

According to him, the government departments of Surat Thani province have recently taken action against foreign citizens who have been residing in Padang Island, Sumy Island, and Koh Tao for a long time. These people use tourist visas to engage in illegal occupations and other illegal activities. The local government, in cooperation with security agencies, immigration police, and the government employment office, is investigating the commercial activities carried out by these foreigners as agents.

In Phuket, administrative and law enforcement agencies collaborate with business operators to raise tourists' legal awareness through publicity. Law enforcement agencies strictly enforce the law and impose the harshest penalties on illegal foreign tourists.

Asit Sampanlat stated that both Thai citizens and foreign citizens must abide by the law. Especially for foreigners, once they enter Thailand, they must abide by Thai laws and must not engage in illegal activities, bully or oppress local people, or engage in any inappropriate behavior that violates Thai culture and traditions. (End)