Robbers, greedy boat operators prey on flood victims

Most floodrelated complaints lodged with police have involved violent robberies and extortionate prices for boattransport services, according to Pol MajGeneral Piya Uthayo, a spokesman for the Royal Thai Police.

The eight areas where the highest prices were being charged for boat services were Soi Sena, Soi Suayai, National Memorial, Ban Mai Canal, Big C Chaeng Wattana, Bang Yai City housing estate, Soi Thait and Soi Piyanon. All of these areas are in Bangkok, Nonthaburi or Pathum Thani.

Boatservice operators deemed to be in violation of the Prices of Goods and Services Act, BE 2542, for overcharging face sentences of seven years in jail and/or fines of up to Bt140,000, Piya said.

The eight areas to have seen the most robbery complaints are the Aksara, Sor Phanurangsi, Saeng Buathong, Hunsa Macharoen, Muang Ake and Monthon Teamwes housing estates, Rangsitland condominium and Suwan Maithai shopping centre in the same provinces.