At least 400 criminal cases have been filed against foreigners by Phuket’s new special task force set up to watch out for bad behaviour by visitors.

The centre was set up a month ago following several incidents involving foreigners, including the highly publicised case of a Swiss man who kicked a female Thai doctor on Yamu Beach in February.

Phuket's governor said that almost 100 foreigners have had their visas revoked, adding that it had to be done for public safety.

On Wednesday, a taxi driver in Thalang district was physically assaulted by an Austrian visitor, leading to a minor car crash.

According to police, the Austrian put the taxi driver in a headlock after the driver told him not to smoke in the car.

It caused the driver to lose control of his taxi and hit another car.

In a related development, US ambassador Robert Godec, on Thursday met the Phuket governor to discuss safety measures for tourists.