Deaths almost double in holiday hotspot
Deaths among foreign tourists on the island of Phuket have almost doubled this year, leading to concerns that crime is on the rise in one of Thailand’s most popular resorts, writes TravelMole Asia/Pacific correspondent Ian Jarrett.
So far this year, 52 foreigners have died on Phuket, compared with 28 during the whole of 2009.
According to the local newspaper, the Phuket Gazette, the figures appear to support the view that violence has increased on the island.
Foreigners have been the suspects in 126 criminal cases this year, said Phuket provincial police commander Pekad Tantipong; these include assault, murders, sex crimes, thefts, drugs offences, visa overstays, work permit violations, gambling and drunk driving.
By contrast, there have been 24 cases in which foreigners were identified as victims. These include thefts, sex crimes, assaults and murders.
The amount of crime involving foreigners appeared to be on the increase, Maj Gen Pekad said.
No-one from the Tourism Authority of Thailand was available for comment.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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