Phuket’s Tourist Case court division resumes after four-year break

After a hiatus spanning four years, the specialized Tourist Case division of the Phuket Provincial Court has resumed its operations, as announced by Kriangsak Rodphanchu. Rodphanchu, currently serving as the Chief Judge at the Wiang Sa Provincial Court in Surat Thani and acting as Chief Judge of the Phuket Provincial Court, made the declaration.

Established initially on September 24, 2017, the division was designated for adjudicating cases involving tourists. However, its activities were halted due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The decision to revive the division stems from the escalating influx of both Thai and international tourists to Phuket, resulting in a corresponding rise in disputes and criminal cases where tourists are either victims, accused, or defendants.

Expressing apprehension over the escalating number of cases grabbing headlines, Kriangsak voiced concerns about the dwindling confidence in the safety of life and property within the area. He fears this could potentially tarnish the province’s tourism sector and Thailand’s overall image.

Kriangsak emphasized the importance of court intervention in resolving disputes, both criminal and civil, concerning tourists. He stressed the necessity of agencies ensuring tourists’ legal rights are upheld and perpetrators face strict punishment.

Moreover, Kriangsak positioned this initiative as integral to a broader strategy aimed at reinstating confidence among tourists and projecting a positive image of Phuket Province and Thai tourism as a whole.

Beyond adjudication, the Tourist Case Division is tasked with offering guidance and aid to tourists in drafting complaints in consumer cases. Kriangsak disclosed that the court can organize mediation sessions within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, a process that can persist until the case reaches resolution.

In collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Attorney-General’s Office, the court expedites cases involving businesses facing litigation. Furthermore, it coordinates with local law enforcement and embassy officials to gather testimonies from tourists who may need to return home before the case concludes. Legal proxies can represent tourists who must depart before case completion.

Kriangsak also underscored the significance of interpreters or mediators, mandated to be available outside regular business hours to assist with cases, as reported by Phuket News.