PM, police chief call for action, probes
THE INCIDENT INVOLVing Swiss expat Urs Fehr sparked orders from the country’s leading figures to take corrective action.
National police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol said last Sunday (Mar 3) he had ordered Region 8 Police and the Phuket Tourist Police to investigate. He said the units were told to gather facts surrounding the alleged assault and ensure the investigation against Fehr was swift.
Pol Gen Torsak said he also instructed Phuket Provincial police Commander Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum to launch a probe into alleged misconduct by local police in Phuket, who some say accept bribes from foreigners on the island to let them pursue illegal activities.
He said he would also direct the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Inspector-General to conduct its own investigation to ensure transparency and prevent criticism that police were protecting each other.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul last Sunday warned foreigners living in Thailand to abide by the law or their visas would be revoked.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he had instructed the RTP and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to step up measures to ensure foreigners comply with the laws.
Meanwhile, officials from the Phuket office of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD Phuket) confirmed on Monday (Mar 4) that all the elephants in care at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Cherng Talay, founded by Fehr, were legal.
Present for the inspection were officers from DLD Phuket; the Phuket branch of the Royal Forest Department; Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife and Forest Reserve, operated by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNP); the National Health Security Office; the Phuket Labour Office; Cherng Talay Police and the Central Investigation Bureau.
Also joining the inspection was Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee. “We joined the inspection today as many doubts have been expressed about the operation of the elephant park,” Mr Chalermpong explained.
The park charges an entrance fee of B1,000 per person for children, and B2,500 per person for adults, he noted.
DLD Phuket Senior Veterinarian Suthat Niyomthai explained, “In total there are 14 elephants at the camp, all of which have been inspected and are correct. They are registered and are fitted with valid microchips. The elephants are healthy; they are strong and in perfect condition.”
The park operations complied with the relevant animal preservation and anti-cruelty laws, he added.
Mr Chalermpong later reported that one more elephant was not at the camp as it had been taken for treatment
“The camp is properly registered in company form, with 73 employees. It has been registered since Mar 7, 2017. The camp rents the 21 rai 2 ngan 23 square wah on which it is located,” he said.
However, the checks on the elephant park will continue, especially on the business operating as a foundation.
“We must check every step,” Mr Chalermpong said.
“There must be an examination of the company’s finances, and tax payments. The registration of the foundation with the Ministry of Interior must also be checked… After this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be requested to verify the visa of the business owner to make sure that it is the correct form of visa,” he added. The Phuket News