Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong Nuchanart, the new chief of Marine Police Division, has made an impressive start in drawing public attention to the usually low-profile unit and its essential role in countering criminal activities and maritime threats in Thai waters.
Following his appointment in October last year, Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong oversaw operations leading to the confiscation of more than 23 million litres of duty-free diesel fuel and a whopping two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine in just three months.
In November, marine police seized more than 23 million litres of diesel fuel in a crackdown on the smuggling of duty-free diesel fuel reserved for registered fishing boats. The fines for transporting and unloading goods without customs permission reportedly amounted to 2.7 billion baht.
The following month, in December, acting on information about a drug smuggling operation, marine and narcotics suppression police intercepted 90 cardboard boxes containing two tonnes of crystal meth during a search on a tugboat at a pier in Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao.
The illicit drugs, which were compressed and hidden in bags of dried fruit, were destined for the Philippines, Australia and other countries.
Thirteen suspects, all Thais, were rounded up in the raid.
The division also conducted a major drill in late December on the island of Koh Lan, in Chon Buri, involving a mock drug trafficking bust, search and rescue operations and coordination with local authorities to ensure tourist safety.
Sailing to prominence
Thanks to their success in curbing drug and fuel smuggling, coupled with a proactive approach to preventing crime, the marine police have risen to prominence within the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong said the division, which is responsible for policing Thai coastal waters and ports, has always played an active role in disrupting the supply chain of illegal drug production and distribution.
Usually manufactured along the Thai-Myanmar border, these illegal substances need to be transported through ports to reach other countries where they are then sold to buyers.
"The division plays a crucial role in intercepting drugs at sea and along the Mekong River before they reach their destination," he said.
Tougher stance on fuel
Meanwhile, in line with the CIB and government efforts to take a tougher stance on the smuggling of untaxed fuel, an operation centre has been set up and more funds are being sought by the division to assist with the crackdown.
Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong said marine police also have a special taskforce known as Matchanu, named after a character from the Ramakien, to support its core and special missions.
The name of the taskforce is not a random choice, but a deliberate one to reflect its capabilities on both the land and in the water, much like the figure of Matchanu himself, who is a son of Hanuman.
The taskforce is engaged in a wide range of marine operations from searching wrecks for evidence, to providing security to VIPs and responding to emergencies.
Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong said searching for evidence underwater requires special skills and equipment and marine police work in this area is critical to solving almost every crime.
Given the country's extensive coastline, his unit is prepared to respond to emergencies at sea and they have assisted victims in recent boat accidents in Chon Buri and Phangnga, he added.
The division has 1,600 officers with 200 patrol boats for its multifaceted role, he said.
Wealth of experience
Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong had a diverse career in the police before being appointed marine police commander. He also has a law degree and has passed the Thai bar exam.
On first joining the force, Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong worked as an interrogator for the Tourism Division.
He served as a tourist police inspector in Hua Hin of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, a superintendent at Wangsomboon station in Sa Kaeo, and commander of the anti-corruption police among others.
After a two-year stint in the strife-torn deep South, he joined the Highway Police Division where he supervised the implementation of new technology to identify speeding vehicles and in October last year he was appointed to head the marine police.
Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong grew up in a police family and spent much of his childhood around the Police Academy.
His father, Pol Lt Gen Sunthorn, is a former commissioner of the academy.
His older brother, Pol Maj Gen Panthana, is a deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau and his younger brother, Pol Col Pongpan, is deputy commander of the Communication Division under the Office of Information and Communication Technology.
A member of Class 34 of the armed forces preparatory school and Class 50 of the Police Academy, his classmates include assistant to national police chief Pol Lt Gen Samran Nuanma, deputy commissioner of Narcotics Suppression Bureau Pol Lt Gen Somboon Thiankhao and CIB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej who nominated him for the new job.
Pol Maj Gen Phruttiphong said that while the marine police division is lesser known, it has worked closely with domestic and international agencies which has helped enhance its ability to tackle often complex cross-border crimes.
He wants this specialised unit to be well-rounded in all aspects of criminal investigation, tactical work and legal affairs.
On international collaboration, he has been invited to visit neighbouring countries to give talks on the unit's work and regional issues.
"Although maritime security threats like terrorist acts are rare, collaboration and information sharing are essential.
"The division is also developing communication channels and tools to enable us to better prevent and respond to threats," he said.
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