Interior Minister Orders Crackdown on Foreigners Threatening Thais
Thai authorities on Koh Samui have launched an investigation into reports of foreigners threatening and assaulting local residents, with the Interior Ministry vowing strict enforcement regardless of nationality or status.
Interior Ministry Deputy Vorrasing Liangprasetth announced on August 5 that following complaints of Thai citizens being threatened and assaulted by foreigners on Koh Samui, he has issued urgent orders to the Surat Thani Governor and Samui District Chief to investigate immediately. The ministry will coordinate all relevant agencies and will not tolerate any incidents that undermine public safety, with strict and impartial legal action against anyone, regardless of nationality or status, found to have violated the law.
Liangprasetth added that authorities will conduct comprehensive inspections of related businesses, including their operations, land use, property ownership, employment practices, permits, and compliance with Thai law, to ensure transparency and build confidence among law-abiding residents and tourists.
Thailand welcomes tourists and investors acting in good faith, but will not tolerate anyone using influence, violence, or abuse of power to intimidate Thai citizens. Public safety is the Interior Ministry's priority, and authorities have been ordered to report findings urgently and address any law enforcement gaps to prevent recurrence. Provincial governors and district chiefs across major tourism areas have been instructed to closely monitor situations and immediately assist residents when incidents occur, affirming that the state will not leave people to face problems alone.
