Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER
 | • A nine-day crackdown ordered by Pol Gen Wuthi in Pattaya last November resulted in the arrest of 200 people and seizure of 142 guns, 150 rounds of ammunition, 630,000 methamphetamine tablets and 80 grams of crystal methamphetamine. • Owners and proprietors of hotels, resorts, motels, guesthouses, condominiums and houses now have to report to the local police station within 24 hours from the time a foreigner takes up residence, even if just for a day. |
PROUDLY wearing the four stars on his shoulders that signify the second highest position at the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Dr Wuthi Liptapallop is the Police General in charge of a new initiative designed to address a host of international issues and developments that directly affect the capabilities of the RTP to enforce the law in Thailand. They include terrorism, serious crimes committed by foreigners, illegal migration, drugs trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.
The police chief is additionally overseeing a new computer software system that will cause considerable concern among international criminals as it can link almost instantaneously into the Interpol database dealing with fake passports or stolen passports.
It’s a tough assignment for Pol Gen Wuthi, but he readily admits that in his 33-year career he’s made a habit of working almost non-stop for long stretches, not even taking time off on holidays and weekends for his favourite but much neglected pastimes of tennis and golf. There will be a plenty of time for that in a couple of years when he reaches the compulsory retirement age of 60.
“My parents always wanted one of their five sons to be a policeman, and I was more or less chosen to be the one. However, I must admit that when I was young I didn’t really like the idea too much. My dream was to be another kind of a public servant, maybe a provincial governor,” he said.
The police chief is additionally overseeing a new computer software system that will cause considerable concern among international criminals as it can link almost instantaneously into the Interpol database dealing with fake passports or stolen passports.
It’s a tough assignment for Pol Gen Wuthi, but he readily admits that in his 33-year career he’s made a habit of working almost non-stop for long stretches, not even taking time off on holidays and weekends for his favourite but much neglected pastimes of tennis and golf. There will be a plenty of time for that in a couple of years when he reaches the compulsory retirement age of 60.
“My parents always wanted one of their five sons to be a policeman, and I was more or less chosen to be the one. However, I must admit that when I was young I didn’t really like the idea too much. My dream was to be another kind of a public servant, maybe a provincial governor,” he said.
 Pol Gen Wuthi led police on a march through Bangkok in 2015 A colleague of Pol Gen Wuthi who has known him since he was commander of the Tourist Police in 1999 said he had worked up to his current rank and position because of his abilities, determination and strong work ethic. “Don’t be misled by the polite, friendly smile. He really is a nice guy, but when he’s involved in an investigation he is uncompromising, with clearly defined priorities. He won’t rest until the job is done and his target is behind bars,” said the officer. |  |
In the last couple of decades his rise in the RTP has been rapid, but when he joined the force in 1983 Pol Gen Wuthi was assigned to an administrative job at police headquarters in Bangkok. That’s where he stayed until 1997, the year the Thai economy crashed and the government began to place more emphasis on tourism to bring foreign exchange into the country. Pol Gen Wuthi was selected for active duty as commander of the Tourist Police. Assignments since leaving that post in 1999 include deputy commissioner of Central Investigation Bureau (2004), commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (2007) and commissioner of the Immigration Bureau (2009).
These assignments gave Pol Gen Wuthi a lot of experience in combating serious crimes such as robbery, narcotics, human trafficking, murder and rape, as well as “white collar” crimes such as cyber crime, money laundering, tax and documents fraud and the exploitation of national resources.
Despite his high rank and positions, Pol Gen Wuthi is seldom found behind the desk. He prefers to actively participate with frontline police teams in the prevention and suppression of crime. Over the years a large number of the cases he’s handled have involved foreign nationals, and he has personally directed some important busts involving foreigners. This makes him well qualified to head a new RTP initiative known as the Foreign Affairs Function (FAF).
Pol Gen Wuthi explained the primary reason the FAF was established: “At present we face many security threats that involve foreign elements, including terrorist incidents like the Ratchaprasong bombing, human trafficking involving Rohingya from Myanmar, and other serious transnational crimes.”
His responsibilities in the new endeavor are four-fold. “The first responsibility is addressing growing security threats that involve foreign elements. The second area is overall tourist security; the third is preparation for the ASEAN Community (AC) implementation; and the fourth is the ASEAN Highway Network Project.
“Thailand is one of 190 Interpol member nations and there are many police liaison units from all over the world stationed and working inside the country. The RTP closely cooperates and coordinates with these units in many areas including transnational crime investigations and executing arrest warrants, or ‘red notices’ issued by Interpol.
“We are very involved with cases concerning passport fraud. In recent weeks I have met with ambassadors of the Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States. I also meet very often with officials of police liaison units who may provide valuable information on new and old cases,” said Pol Gen Wuthi
These assignments gave Pol Gen Wuthi a lot of experience in combating serious crimes such as robbery, narcotics, human trafficking, murder and rape, as well as “white collar” crimes such as cyber crime, money laundering, tax and documents fraud and the exploitation of national resources.
Despite his high rank and positions, Pol Gen Wuthi is seldom found behind the desk. He prefers to actively participate with frontline police teams in the prevention and suppression of crime. Over the years a large number of the cases he’s handled have involved foreign nationals, and he has personally directed some important busts involving foreigners. This makes him well qualified to head a new RTP initiative known as the Foreign Affairs Function (FAF).
Pol Gen Wuthi explained the primary reason the FAF was established: “At present we face many security threats that involve foreign elements, including terrorist incidents like the Ratchaprasong bombing, human trafficking involving Rohingya from Myanmar, and other serious transnational crimes.”
His responsibilities in the new endeavor are four-fold. “The first responsibility is addressing growing security threats that involve foreign elements. The second area is overall tourist security; the third is preparation for the ASEAN Community (AC) implementation; and the fourth is the ASEAN Highway Network Project.
“Thailand is one of 190 Interpol member nations and there are many police liaison units from all over the world stationed and working inside the country. The RTP closely cooperates and coordinates with these units in many areas including transnational crime investigations and executing arrest warrants, or ‘red notices’ issued by Interpol.
“We are very involved with cases concerning passport fraud. In recent weeks I have met with ambassadors of the Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States. I also meet very often with officials of police liaison units who may provide valuable information on new and old cases,” said Pol Gen Wuthi
 |   Pol Gen Wuthi opens the ASEAN Foreigner’s Safety Coordination Center at the Provincial Police Region 5 in November 2015. Headquarters is in Chiang Mai and the region also covers Phayao and Phrae districts.  Pol Gen Wuthi talks to a reporter during the 2015 police march |
Unwelcome visitors
“Serious crimes currently committed by foreigners in Thailand can be divided into many categories. Illegal migration is a very big problem, as are narcotics and human trafficking. We are improving our capabilities to detect documents fraud and this is an area we are really cracking down on. Fake passports are a big problem, and contributing to this are stolen passports and false claims of lost or stolen passports. A high percentage of foreigners entering Thailand with the intent to commit crimes carry fake or lost and stolen passports,” Pol Gen Wuthi said.
Asked which foreign nationals are committing the most crimes in Thailand, he replied: “Presently we worry a lot about people from West Africa, mostly involving narcotics. West Africans are also doing ‘romance scams’ – meaning cheating and lying to a lady using social media. Another crime that has been perpetrated for many years is the ‘black money’ or ‘black dollar’ scam.”
Pol Gen Wuthi acknowledged that in spite of numerous police raids over the years, West Africans continue to deal narcotics on a narrow lane off Sukhumvit Soi 3 dubbed ‘Soi Africa.’ “They [the West Africans] come and go, but the problem remains.
“The two crimes committed by foreigners that are most damaging to the reputation of the Kingdom are drugs trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children,” he added.
ASEAN Community bringing change to RTP
Thai police are “100 percent ready” for the AC, which was officially launched on January 1 this year, said Pol Gen Wuthi. “We have four strategies initiated to deal with the changes mandated by the ASEAN Charter. One concerns crime suppression; the second is aimed at providing security for tourists and investors, especially those with projects approved by the Board of Investment; the third strategy deals with border management; and the fourth is designed to improve the overall function of the RTP with respect to the AC.
“This means, for example, encouraging police to improve themselves and acquire more knowledge and skills, particularly English language skills, so we can communicate more effectively with foreigners.
“Article 34 of the ASEAN Charter states: ‘The working language of ASEAN shall be English.’ Therefore, our goal is for all the 230,000 men and women in the RTP to be able to communicate in English. It is particularly important that RTP officers stationed in tourist areas, border provinces and special economic zones have a good level of English proficiency, and I have directed all superintendents in these areas to spare no effort in making this come about. We are also working to develop our officers’ understanding of globalization and important international issues and events, and focusing on improving police stations and police forces along ASEAN Highway routes.”
“Serious crimes currently committed by foreigners in Thailand can be divided into many categories. Illegal migration is a very big problem, as are narcotics and human trafficking. We are improving our capabilities to detect documents fraud and this is an area we are really cracking down on. Fake passports are a big problem, and contributing to this are stolen passports and false claims of lost or stolen passports. A high percentage of foreigners entering Thailand with the intent to commit crimes carry fake or lost and stolen passports,” Pol Gen Wuthi said.
Asked which foreign nationals are committing the most crimes in Thailand, he replied: “Presently we worry a lot about people from West Africa, mostly involving narcotics. West Africans are also doing ‘romance scams’ – meaning cheating and lying to a lady using social media. Another crime that has been perpetrated for many years is the ‘black money’ or ‘black dollar’ scam.”
Pol Gen Wuthi acknowledged that in spite of numerous police raids over the years, West Africans continue to deal narcotics on a narrow lane off Sukhumvit Soi 3 dubbed ‘Soi Africa.’ “They [the West Africans] come and go, but the problem remains.
“The two crimes committed by foreigners that are most damaging to the reputation of the Kingdom are drugs trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children,” he added.
ASEAN Community bringing change to RTP
Thai police are “100 percent ready” for the AC, which was officially launched on January 1 this year, said Pol Gen Wuthi. “We have four strategies initiated to deal with the changes mandated by the ASEAN Charter. One concerns crime suppression; the second is aimed at providing security for tourists and investors, especially those with projects approved by the Board of Investment; the third strategy deals with border management; and the fourth is designed to improve the overall function of the RTP with respect to the AC.
“This means, for example, encouraging police to improve themselves and acquire more knowledge and skills, particularly English language skills, so we can communicate more effectively with foreigners.
“Article 34 of the ASEAN Charter states: ‘The working language of ASEAN shall be English.’ Therefore, our goal is for all the 230,000 men and women in the RTP to be able to communicate in English. It is particularly important that RTP officers stationed in tourist areas, border provinces and special economic zones have a good level of English proficiency, and I have directed all superintendents in these areas to spare no effort in making this come about. We are also working to develop our officers’ understanding of globalization and important international issues and events, and focusing on improving police stations and police forces along ASEAN Highway routes.”
A nine-day crackdown ordered by Pol Gen Wuthi in Pattaya last November resulted in the arrest of 200 people and seizure of 142 guns, 150 rounds of ammunition, 630,000 methamphetamine tablets and 80 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Keeping tabs on foreigners
“I am the Director of the AC Preparation Centre, opened on the 19th floor of RTP headquarters in July 2015. The centre can monitor the routeway and movement of tourists during their stay in Thailand, for example when they arrive, where they go and stay, and when they depart Thailand. I expect that with the establishment of the AC more criminals from ASEAN countries will come here along with more tourists and legal immigrants. This is a normal occurrence anywhere in the world when borders are opened up.
“We are relying on a biometric recognition system to help us screen for undesirables. It was my idea to install this technology in Thailand and, in fact, it would already be up and running had there not been budget constraints in the past year. We hope that the system will be fully operational at all border crossings this year.
“We are also employing computer software to deal with foreigners who come here to commit crimes. The Immigration Bureau has a program called Personal Identification and Blacklist Immigration Control System, or PIBICS. This software can determine the validity of every passport used to enter and depart Thailand. This system will really help in dealing with the problem of fake or stolen passports, which can be used to commit crimes and obtain bogus credit cards. Every year over 40 million passports are reported lost or stolen around the world and every day on average more than 100 foreigners carrying such passports enter Thailand.
“The PIBICS system is linked to the Interpol database under Interpol’s Global Police Communications System I-24/7, so when you use your passport at an Immigration checkpoint at the airport or a border crossing the information will be sent to Interpol headquarters in France and a report will be sent back to the Immigration officer in just a little over one second. So we will know almost immediately if someone is trying to use a passport that is a fake or has been reported lost or stolen. Other relevant information is also transmitted through the system. This is a very important step forward that just recently became operational in Thailand.
 On December 21, 2015 Gen Wuthi led a parade of about 2,015 police officers through Bangkok flanked by signs saying “We Safe Thailand Safe.” The participants also marched on Rama 1 Road and passed by Siam Paragon shopping centre. The event, intended to show the readiness of the Thai people to provide help to foreign tourists, was organized by the RTP in cooperation with volunteers from the private and public sectors. “Another major component of the effort to prevent and suppress foreign crime is the use of Section 38 of the 1979 Immigration Act. This section requires owners and proprietors of hotels, resorts, motels, guesthouses, condominiums, houses and so on to report to the local police station within 24 hours from the time a foreigner takes up residence, even if just for a day. This can be done online. Anyone who fails to file the reports can be made to pay a fine. “Enforcement of the Act was lax in the past, but I have made it a priority. This measure makes it possible for us to know where and how many foreigners – be they immigrants, tourists, investors or whatever – are distributed around the country. We have already started to vigorously enforce Section 38. The information supplied is readily available to the Immigration Bureau and ASEAN Preparation Centre. In practice it means that we can find aliens in Thailand who break the law and arrest them.” To ensure the safety of foreign tourists and local residents, in November last year Pol Gen Wuthi ordered a nine-day crackdown on criminals in Pattaya and surrounding areas. The suppression campaign conducted by officers from all police stations in and around Pattaya, along with Tourist Police officers, started on November 1 and resulted in the arrest of 200 people and seizure of 142 guns, 150 rounds of ammunition, 630,000 methamphetamine tablets and 80 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Some suspects arrested for narcotics and weapons offences were present at a press conference led by Pol Gen Wuthi on November 12. He stressed that the campaign coincided with the start of the AC and that law enforcement measures would continue at a heightened level, especially in the Pattaya area. Life of achievements When asked what he is most proud of in his long record of service at the RTP, Pol Gen Wuthi said: “My biggest achievement is that I have been able to show my worth and knowledge to the public through my performance on the job. When I was commissioner of the Narcotic Suppression Bureau everyone knew that I always tried my best and used all my knowledge and capabilities to solve this huge problem. “When I was commissioner at Immigration, I established the Arrest Warrants Center. This was the first such center anywhere in the world. The number of foreigners apprehended who were wanted by Interpol increased a lot because police liaisons and other foreign law enforcement agency officials, and even ambassadors, were sending arrest warrants and information to me. This is what I consider to be my biggest achievement. “There’s another achievement I am especially proud of: After the economic crisis that began in 1997, the government tried to generate income from the tourism industry to repay money borrowed from the IMF by launching the ‘Amazing Thailand’ tourism campaign in 1998. As commander of the Tourist Police, I and my staff worked closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to do everything possible for the success of the campaign, for example providing security for tourists. The campaign was a success and the government was able to attract many tourists to Thailand and received a substantial amount of foreign currency as a result.” |  Police General Dr Wuthi Liptapallop in focus Education 2009: PhD in Education, Victoria State University, Australia. 2006: Honorary Degree of Doctor of Liberal Arts in Tourism Industry, Lampang Rajabhat University. 1988: Bachelor of Political Science, Ramkhamhaeng University. 1983: Master of Business Administration, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). 1979: Bachelor of Science, Kasetsart University. Professional Experiences 2012: Deputy Commissioner General. 2011: Advisor (level 10). 2010: Assistant Commissioner-General. 2009: Commissioner of Immigration Bureau. 2007: Commissioner of Narcotics Suppression Bureau. 2006: Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1. 2004: Deputy Commissioner of Central Investigation Bureau. 2003: Deputy Commissioner of Office of Budget and Planning Division. 2001: Assistant Commissioner of Police Education Bureau. 1999: Commander of Tourist Police Division. Special Government Positions 2014: Expert Committee for the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand. 2007: Guest Instructor for Mahidol University (Criminal Justice Doctoral Degree Program). 2005: Guest Instructor for Lampang Rajabhat University. 2003: Guest Instructor for Institute of Police Administration Development. 2002-2006: Committee for the National Research Council of Thailand (Political Science). 2000-2006: Subcommittee for the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission (ONCCC). 1997-2000: Subcommittee for the ONCCC (Investigation of National Security and Legitimacy). Course Training 2003: National Defense College of Thailand (NDC 46, Class 2003). 1998: Political Affairs Democracy for Chief Executives, King Prajadhipok’s Institute. Honor Award Honor Award for Exceptional Alumni 2003, Master of Business Administration, NIDA. |
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