PM Prayut speaks out! No more ripping off of tourists – it’s bad for Thailand’s wonderful image

The Prime minister of Thailand has spoken out about locals ripping off tourists – and he has demanded that his country folk stop it and started behaving like it says in the guidebooks. 

Naew Na said that a senior government aide Weerachon Sukhonthapathipak told the media that Prayut Chan-ocha had heard about a group of Australians in Phuket. 

And he was livid!

The Aussies had been charged 3,000 baht to go from the airport to their hotel in a minivan. The tourists went to the police. 

The PM was furious about this stain on Thailand’s image and asked operators to be the eyes and ears so that it doesn’t happen again. 

Naew Na spoke of Thailand in glowing terms and it was not sure if this was their opinion or that of the spokesman or the prime minister or all three. 

They said that the whole kingdom was famed for being a wonderful place to visit with so many attractions and such kind and welcoming people. Everyone should be great hosts to boost tourism, they said. 

The PM had instructed the authorities to stop the practice of fleecing visitors, they added, without giving further detail. 

Last week many stories painted a grim picture of low season in places like Phuket and Pattaya. 

Many have said that rip-offs are driving tourists away to pastures new. 

Thai Visa / Naew Na

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