No Foreign Mafia in Phuket, says Phuket Governor

Phuket –

The Phuket governor has confirmed, according to him, that there is no foreign mafia in Phuket.

The issue came to light after local politicians expressed concern on Thai social media about foreigners who have lived in Phuket for a long time and may behave as a mafia.

The Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat told the Phuket Express “Anyone who stays in Phuket and does illegal activities or operates illegal businesses must face the highest legal penalties.”

“Recently, foreigners have been arrested at the Phuket International Airport and at the famous Naka Weekend Market Wichit. They were found doing illegal jobs, like tour guides, but were not mafia.” Governor Sophon added.

“Foreigners who have suspicious behaviors are being investigated by Thai officials before they inform their respective embassies for background checks. Anyone who has information about foreigners who are operating illegal businesses, please report this to the proper Thai officials,” Governor Sophon explained.

“As far as we know there is no foreign mafia in Phuket. However, in the unlikely event we find them, we are ready to crackdown and eliminate their presence in Thailand,” Governor Sophon confirmed.

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.