Tourist court in Thailand to prioritise crimes against holidaymakers

Thailand is considering setting up a special court for tourists to fast-track legal cases involving holidaymakers.

The country's Minister of Tourism, Somsak Pureesrisak, hopes this will make the safety of visitors a priority after a number of attacks on travellers in popular destinations.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "The state should increase punishment against those who commit crimes like robbery and assault against tourists.

"I will adopt safety measures similar to those used in Japan, a country that rarely has criminal complaints from tourists."

Chanchai Duangjit, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office supports the idea and told Phuket Gazette: "This is a very good thing for tourists. Most tourists who come to Phuket are here only on a short holiday. They do not have much time to deal with a court trial."

He added: "This will allow tourists to have their cases heard in court much more quickly than now," Mr Chanchai added."

In October 2012, a British tourist was stabbed by a gang of youths in Ao Nang as he tried to save his girlfriend from a sex attack.

A 60-year-old British man was savagely beaten and killed by a biker gang in Chonburi in March 2011.

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