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- Russian Woman Arrested for Prostitution on Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy of CH 3Plus NEWS
A Russian woman has been apprehended on Koh Phangan for engaging in prostitution, allegedly earning over 100,000 baht per month through online advertisements.
On 9th May 2025, it was reported that under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Puek-am, tourist police on Koh Phangan received information about a Russian woman advertising sexual services on a website. The surveillance team confirmed the activity and set up a sting operation.
Police, in coordination with immigration and local authorities in Surat Thani, conducted an undercover operation after identifying Ms Alina, a 34-year-old Russian national, offering services. She was arrested at a resort in Ban Tai with evidence including 11,000 baht in marked bills, condoms, and a handbag.
Initial interrogations revealed that Ms Alina chose this profession for its lucrative income, advertising services at $600 per hour between 1 am and 5 am, accumulating over 100,000 baht monthly.
Ms Alina is being charged with soliciting prostitution for personal and commercial gain, using advertisements targeting the public, thus promoting her services on Koh Phangan. She, along with the evidence, has been handed over to Koh Phangan police for further legal proceedings.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
Adapted by ASEAN Now from CH3plus 2025-05-09
9 May 09 20251360211 - Woman Arrested After Airline Ticket Scam Defrauds Over 50 Victims of 10 Million Baht
Picture courtesy of Khaosod.
A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on Koh Samui for orchestrating a large-scale scam involving fake airline tickets and hotel bookings, with over 50 victims reporting combined losses of approximately 10 million baht.
Ms Kaewta was apprehended by officers from Bo Phut Police Station outside a rented room in the Lamai area of Maret subdistrict. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on 7 May on charges of fraud.
The arrest was carried out under the directive of Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomchit, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, and executed by a team led by Pol Col Denduang Thongsrisuk, Superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station.
The case came to light on 22 April when more than 50 individuals filed complaints with Bo Phut Police, alleging that Ms Kaewta had conned them by falsely offering low-priced domestic and international airline tickets as well as discounted hotel rooms. Victims included close friends, acquaintances, and travel business operators in Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Chiang Rai.
One victim recounted booking six airline tickets to Shanghai through Ms Kaewta at 7,000 baht each, totalling 42,000 baht. The money was transferred directly into the suspect’s bank account. However, prior to the departure date, the victim grew suspicious after hearing of similar issues from other customers. Upon contacting the airline directly, they were informed that no such promotion existed and that the tickets were fake.
As news of the scam spread across social media, dozens more victims came forward, revealing a pattern of deception by Ms Kaewta. Many believed they were purchasing legitimate “friends and family” promotional tickets, only to discover the bookings were fraudulent.
National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Panpetch and Pol Lt Gen Surapong have ordered the investigation to proceed swiftly, citing the seriousness of the offence under public fraud laws, which carry heavy penalties. Authorities are now working to identify any potential accomplices and determine whether additional victims exist.
Police have urged anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Ms Kaewta to come forward and provide information. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers seeking to uncover the full scope of the operation and bring all involved to justice.
Related article:
Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09.
8 May 08 20251360172 - Myanmar Man Arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for Running Illegal Phone Resale Operation
Picture courtesy of Matichon
Police on Pha Ngan have arrested a 33-year-old Myanmar national for operating an illegal mobile phone repair and resale business that involved purchasing stolen or locked devices, unlocking them, and reselling them primarily to members of the local Myanmar community.
Authorities launched an investigation following reports that a foreign national was advertising mobile phone repair, iCloud unlocking, and data wiping services via Facebook in Moo 3, Koh Pha Ngan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province. The man, identified only as Mr Kyaw, was found operating a makeshift repair station where officers seized 49 mobile phones and various repair tools.
Tourist police, in coordination with local police and administrative officials, arrested the suspect on 7 May. He now faces three charges:
1. Operating a business without the proper permit as a foreign national,
2. Working outside the conditions of his legal work status, and
3. Drug use (Category 1 narcotics).
According to police, many tourists had reported phones stolen from beaches or while left unattended in bags, which prompted closer surveillance of suspicious individuals on the island. Investigators eventually identified Mr Kyaw as the key figure in receiving and reselling stolen phones.
In his statement to authorities, the suspect admitted he bought locked phones at low prices, then unlocked or wiped them before reselling. In some cases, he offered instalment payment plans while retaining the buyer’s iCloud or Gmail credentials, allowing him to remotely lock the phone if payments were missed. He also provided screen replacement services starting at 1,000 baht per device.
Mr Kyaw claimed the operation generated around 25,000 baht per month, with most of his customers being fellow Myanmar nationals living or working in the area.
Officials said further investigations are ongoing to determine whether others are involved in the theft and resale network.
Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.
8 May 08 20251360177 - Russian Tourist Busted for Smuggling Hashish into Thailand
Picture courtesy of Channel 3
A 36-year-old Russian man has been nabbed by authorities on Koh Phangan for smuggling hashish into Thailand by swallowing the contraband. The cunning plan was intended to dodge customs inspections, but his luck ran out thanks to a tip-off to local police.
In a bust worthy of a thriller plot, tourist police officers in the Maduawan area acted on intel about a foreigner dealing drugs to tourists near a local convenience store.
Officers zeroed in on Mr. Denis, a 36-year-old Russian national, whose jittery and sweaty demeanour during questioning heightened their suspicions. Further scrutiny revealed dark, sticky substances and dried magic mushrooms concealed within his belongings.
The drama intensified when officers conducted a search. Though initially resisting, Denis eventually acquiesced to a body search. It was then that four bags of white powder, confirmed as cocaine weighing 9.42 grams, were discovered stashed around his waistband. The search also turned up 13.56 grams of magic mushrooms and a hefty 415.72 grams of hashish.
Under pressure, Denis admitted to swallowing condom-wrapped parcels of hashish before arriving from Bhutan, aiming to shift the load to eager tourists at eye-watering prices. Details spilled that Denis acquired the cocaine from a mystery foreigner on a Koh Phangan beach, paying 4,880 baht per gram.
Now, Denis faces an array of serious charges: possession of cocaine, possession of magic mushrooms, drug consumption, and exceeding legal limits on controlled herbs.
This bust is just one chapter in a larger investigation targeting international drug networks said to be operating across Koh Phangan. Authorities have indicated they are intensively monitoring these shadowy groups, who utilise inventive body-concealment methods to smuggle their goods. The case underlines the ongoing battle against drug trafficking on the island.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07
7 May 07 20251360004 - Appeals Court confirms 2 years jail sentence to Danish resort manager
The Appeals Court on Koh Samui convicted yesterday 21 March 2024 the Danish former resort manager Stig Wulff and his wife to two years and five months in prison for fraud in connection with the transfer of shares in the resort, in which the Dane was previously a managing director, from himself and his British partner to his wife.The sentence was a confirmation of the sentence which the Criminal Court on Koh Samui first metered out to the Danish-Thai couple. In Thailand, when the lower court and the appeals court reach the same verdict, the case can under normal circumstances not be appealed once again.
The court permitted, however, the lawyer of the Dane, Suwatchai Sawasdi, to post bail for his release during the time until the second case against the Dane will be finished in court next month. While the first case was a criminal case, this second case is a civil lawsuit in which the former partner of the Danish man demands compensation from the Dane and his wife for losing the ownership of their Koh PhangAn property to a local loan shark after they had transferred all the shares to the wife.
by Gregers Møller
Full story: ScandAsia 2024-03-22
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21 March 21 20241322962 - Koh Phangan Cracks Down on Beach Nudity, Warns Tourists of Visa Revocation
Picture courtesy of Koh Phangan police station via Bangkok Post
Koh Phangan, home of Thailand's infamous full moon parties, is back in the spotlight with a bold new crackdown on public nudity. Signs forbidding unclothed escapades have sprang up on local beaches after numerous complaints about tourists stripping down.
These placards prominently warn of the island's nudity ban, threatening violators with the prospect of having their visas revoked, as underscored by Koh Phangan's police chief, Pol Col Apichart Chansamret.
Authorities, doubling down on preserving public decency, distributed leaflets to both tourists and local businesses, emphasising the consequences of breaking these particular modesty rules.
Zen Beach and Secret Beach, known for their beauty and tranquillity, have become hubs for this dubious display, with foreigners often found sunbathing, frolicking, and even creating art in the buff. Sadly, such actions, however harmless they might seem, directly infringe upon Thai laws, with offenders facing fines of up to 5,000 Thai Baht.
Island resident Thawil Ruangthong expressed concern over the trend, noting a growing number of visitors flagrantly disrespect local culture by going au naturel.
The crackdown gained further momentum following the recent arrest of a Polish couple caught in an uninhibited embrace on a public road, underscoring the island’s commitment to clamping down on indecorous behavior.
As authorities continue their campaign to cultivate cultural respect, Koh Phangan seeks to balance its reputation for freedom and fun with a respect for local customs.
With the new signs in place, both residents and visitors hope the message will resonate with the sun-seeking tourists that flock to this idyllic hotspot.
Though the island remains a vibrant destination, it is clear a line in the sand has been drawn, highlighting the need for mindfulness when enjoying Koh Phangan's pristine beaches.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-01
1 May 01 20251359355 - Two Myanmar Nationals Arrested for Illegal Giant Clam Harvesting off Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy of Matichon.
Two Myanmar men have been arrested for illegally harvesting endangered giant clams in the waters off Koh Phangan, as authorities seized a significant number of the protected marine species.
Mr. Waiyawut Santivichaya, head of the Koh Tao Marine Fisheries Protection Unit under the Songkhla Marine Fisheries Suppression Centre, dispatched a team led by fisheries officer Mr. Chaowalit Iadmee. The operation, conducted in coordination with local fisheries officials and community leaders, targeted individuals suspected of engaging in illegal fishing activities in the Chaloklum Bay area of Koh Tao Subdistrict.
The officers apprehended two male foreign nationals of Myanmar origin, who had been diving to collect Tridacna gigas, commonly known as giant clams, a protected and visually striking marine species. A total of 24 clams were confiscated as evidence.
Both suspects face charges under the Fisheries Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and its amendment in B.E. 2560 (2017), specifically violating Section 66, with penalties prescribed under Section 145. The men were handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings, recorded as Criminal Case No. 197/2568 and Seized Items Log No. 75/2568.
Koh Tao subdistrict chief, Mr. Kobchai Saowaluk, commented that enforcement efforts against illegal clam harvesting have long been in place. He noted that in earlier years, offenders were typically fined between 20,000–30,000 baht per clam, but current penalties have risen sharply to around 40,000 baht per clam, reflecting the growing urgency to protect these species.
Giant clams are renowned for their vivid colours and patterned flesh, which can include vibrant blues and tiger-striped textures, traits that make them a target for poaching despite their protected status.
The arrests have sparked widespread public reaction on Koh Phangan, particularly on local social media pages. Comments ranged from concerns about environmental destruction to calls for stricter penalties, blacklisting from re-entry into Thailand and immediate deportation of offenders.
One popular comment read: “Koh Phangan will be barren if these Burmese keep harvesting giant clams. They must face harsher punishment, blacklist them permanently.”
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting endangered marine life and upholding the law in collaboration with local communities.
Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-06.
5 May 05 20251359857 - Dramatic Skid: Air Force C-130 Veers Off Samui Runway
Picture courtesy of Daily News
A nail-biting incident unfolded at Samui Airport when an Air Force C-130 transport aircraft skidded off the apron due to a brake system mishap. Around 2:30 p.m. on May 2, 62 individuals onboard, comprising eight officers and 54 passengers, fortunately escaped unscathed.
The chaos ensued as the plane, engaged in a training mission, rolled forward uncontrollably after the pilot detected the malfunction and lurched into an electric pole before halting safely in a nearby field.
The C-130, belonging to Squadron 601, Wing 6, was undertaking a routine path from Don Mueang through Trang to Koh Samui.
Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjai, spokesperson for the Air Force, was swift to assure the public of the passengers' safety. The occupants managed a secure evacuation through the rear exit, thanks to the pilot’s quick action.
Initial assessments indicated damage primarily to the aircraft's left wing and nose, with the left wing colliding with an electric pole, and the front clipping a parking sign.
The Air Force Safety Office will launch an extensive investigation into the braking failure, aiming to unearth causes and forestall such incidents in future operations.
Remarkably, the sudden skid did not impact public safety nor compromise the airport's structural integrity. Passengers and crew can breathe a sigh of relief, while the investigation seeks to ensure the skies remain safe for everyone.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-03
2 May 02 20251359587 - Task Force Raids Illegal Childcare Facility Operated by Foreigners on Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy of Khaosod.Authorities on Koh Phangan have conducted a raid on an illegal childcare facility operated by a group of foreigners, leading to the arrest of multiple individuals from Russia, Ukraine, and Myanmar.
On 28 January, Police Captain Charoenchai Boongliang of the Surat Thani Provincial Investigation Unit, along with a special operations task force, immigration officers from Koh Phangan, local police, and administrative officials, launched an operation targeting the unlicensed childcare centre known as “Coolscool,” located at 102/1 Moo 4, Ban Tai Subdistrict, Koh Phangan. The raid forms part of a broader campaign to tackle illegal activities involving foreign nationals, including unauthorised work and cross-border crimes.
The operation was initiated under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, who has prioritised the crackdown on illegal immigration and unauthorised employment to maintain safety and security on the island, as well as to support the local tourism economy.
During the raid, eight individuals were apprehended and charged with various offences:
1. Ms Olga Lagutova (46) - Russian national, charged with working without a permit.
2. Ms Elizaveta Nikolaeva (40) - Russian national, charged with working without a permit.
3. Mr Pavel Cheliadin (41) - Russian national, charged with working without a permit.
4. Mr Aleksei Kostiakov (45) - Russian national, charged with working without a permit.
5. Ms Tetiana Aleksieienko (50) - Ukrainian national, charged with working without a permit.
6. Ms Aye Yu Maw (40) - Myanmar national, charged with failing to notify authorities about her employer, workplace, or job description within the legally mandated 15-day period after starting work.
7. Ms Margarita Khantemirova (42) - Russian national, charged with establishing and operating an unlicensed childcare facility, unauthorised business operations, employing foreign workers without work permits, and failing to notify authorities about employing foreign workers.
8. Mr Oleksandr Lipes (43) - Ukrainian national, charged with overstaying his visa by 1,086 days, working without a permit, establishing and operating an unlicensed childcare facility, unauthorised business operations, employing foreign workers without permits, and failing to notify authorities about employment.
This enforcement action was stated as part of a province-wide initiative aimed at ensuring the safety of both residents and tourists by addressing illegal activities involving foreign nationals. The campaign is particularly focused on unregistered businesses and unauthorised employment, which pose risks to public safety and undermine the local economy.
Following the arrests, all suspects were transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.
-- 2025-01-29
28 January 28 20251350170 - Nudity Scandal on Thai Beach Fuels Calls for Tourist Behaviour Crackdown
Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
Thailand's image as a sun-soaked haven was marred once again after a pair of Polish tourists were caught embracing and sunbathing completely nude on Koh Pha Ngan, sparking outrage among locals. The incident, occurring today, has intensified demands for stricter measures against unruly tourist conduct as the nudist escapade unfolded before bewildered onlookers and involved police intervention.
The couple, identified as Mr Michal, 27, and Ms Claudia, 24, stunned passers-by when spotted standing unabashedly nude on a public road, seemingly heedless of traffic. Their audacious display prompted locals to notify authorities, who engaged police forces that soon arrived to confront the brazen tourists.
Yet, the couple's exhibitionist antics continued shortly after, as they lounged naked on Ban Kai Beach, astonishing families enjoying the sunshine. Authorities swiftly instructed them to cover up, arresting the individuals under Thai law forbidding public indecency.
Transported to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station, the couple now face charges of public obscenity. However, their escapade is not an isolated incident, as similar tourist misbehaviour has left locals increasingly fed up. The episode underlines a growing impatience in Thailand, urging bolstered action to preserve the area's cultural and communal sanctity against such egregious tourist conduct.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-29
29 April 29 20251359199
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