Wiseguys

[Capo di Tutti i Capi]

A construction worker was arrested for possessing a fake gun and impersonating a mafia on Pattaya beach. Police suspect that he is the same guy who extorted tourists along the beach.

On 28 June 2007, at 2:30 AM, Pol.Capt. Jeerawat Sukonthasab, Deputy Tourist Police Investigator, was notified by Mr. Phakphol Thong-Gerd, of the Volunteer Tourist Police, that while he was patrolling along South Pattaya Beach near the old pier, he noticed a man behaving suspiciously. The man was wearing a cap to hide his face, carrying a shoulder bag; and generally behaved like a criminal.

Whenever the man saw the volunteer tourist policeman, he avoided him and walked away. Volunteer police requested to search him and found a fake 0.9 mm gun, which was modified to look like a real gun on his body; and arrested him.

After receiving a report, Pol.Capt. Jeerawat went to investigate. Police questioned Mr. Sakorn Toe-Rat, (29), a construction worker, address 106, Moo 10, Baan Kor, Phon - Sawan, Nakornphanom Provice. He told police that he was walking along the beach alone and was afraid of being attacked by criminals. So, he was carrying the fake gun to protect himself and not to harm anybody.


Police did not buy his story, as Mr. Sakorn's behaviour matched previous report s about a guy who was carrying a gun and acting like a mafia to control the beach area by harassing and threatening tourists. Following up the reports, the police sent out volunteer tourist police to observe, who found Mr. Sakorn carrying the fake gun, presumably to commit more nefarious acts.

Police arrested Mr. Sakorn and took him to the police station. He was charged with carrying a fake gun without permission and will be fined.