Phuket Provincial Police say they are working to crack down on international criminals on the island in a bid to ensure safety and improve confidence among tourists and the public.

Governor Narong Woonciew agreed to measures that were introduced in December, asking for the cooperation of apartment or hotel owners to monitor their foreign tenants.

That helped lead to the arrest of two Russian nationals for cryptocurrency theft, the deputy governor said.

Patong police have been arresting more foreign tourists for driving without licences, for reckless driving and for riding motorbikes without helmets.

Phuket Provincial Police, Patong police and Phuket tourist police also arrested a French national wanted by Interpol who was overstaying in the kingdom.

In addition, the deputy said, Mr Narong has encouraged police to take action against foreigners displaying improper behaviour.

Punishments range from issuing a “yellow warning” on first offence, to suspending the person’s permission to stay in the kingdom following another offence.

Foreigners will be deported back to their home countries if they are given a red warning for repeated offences.

Phuket authorities are also using the Traffy Fondue app, which allows citizens to inform local authorities of problems. So far they have received a total of three complaints about local problems, two of which have been solved.