Tourism Minister addresses police controversies

Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has acknowledged that recent controversies involving the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) have damaged the reputation of both law enforcement and tourism organizations. The minister is taking steps to address the situation with a Cabinet meeting scheduled next week set to discuss the allegations.

This comes after an MP from the Pheu Thai Party made allegations that shady Chinese business operators had become members of the Thailand Elite Card, a privilege program under TPC, which is owned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Several recent controversies have made headlines including a VIP police escort service for Chinese tourists and a Taiwanese actress…