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- Nigerian drug dealer arrested on Koh Phangan. 3214 days visa overstay!
Tourist police arrested a Nigerian man for cocaine possession and overstaying for nearly nine years on Koh Phangan island. Police
The post Nigerian drug dealer arrested on Koh Phangan. 3214 days visa overstay! appeared first on Koh Phangan Island News.
Tourist police arrested a Nigerian man for cocaine possession and overstaying for nearly nine years on Koh Phangan island.
Police from Tourist Police Division 3 apprehended Kenneth Nnwanelobi, 47, at a hotel in Moo 8 of Tambon Koh Phangan on Saturday. The arrest was part of a crackdown on foreigners doing restricted jobs and illegal activities on this tourist island.
Tourist police inspector Pol Lt Col Winit Boonchit, who led the team, said Mr Nnwanelobi was allegedly part of a Nigerian-led, well-organised drug syndicate. The Nigerian was standing in the hotel’s corridor when police asked to see his passport, but he tried to flee into his room. A subsequent search found two packets of cocaine weighing 31.5 grammes in the front-left pocket of his jeans. Mr Kenneth admitted that the seized cocaine belonged to him and it was for sale to foreign buyers.
3,214 days overstay
“A further probe found he entered Thailand through the Padang Besar border checkpoint in Songkhla province on March 17, 2015 and was allowed to stay until October 1, 2015. He overstayed for 3,214 days,” Pol Lt Col Winit said.
Mr Nnwanelobi’s role in the gang was placing cocaine packets at places and sending pickup locations to customers. He claimed he had a magical mantra and he would recite it to make him invincible to police before leaving a hotel to hide the drug.
“But this time I really didn’t see it (the arrest) coming.” the Nigerian suspect said.
Read the full story at Bangkok Post – Nigerian arrested on Thailand’s Phangan island for selling cocaine, overstay which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ Bangkok Post Assawin Pakkawan
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21 July 21 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4643 - Seven years after illegal entry! Gambian arrested on Koh Phangan Island
A 52-year-old Gambian man has been arrested on Koh Phangan on a charge of illegal entry and staying in the
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A 52-year-old Gambian man has been arrested on Koh Phangan on a charge of illegal entry and staying in the country illegally for seven years.
Tourist police spotted Saikou Jawara walking along a street to a bar on the tourist island in Surat Thani province at about 1.30am on Friday.
Upon seeing their patrol car, Mr Jawara appeared frightened and quickly entered the bar, heading for a dimly lit corner. When the officers followed and asked him to present documents, he loudly exclaimed “Bingo!”
When he failed to produce a passport or other documents, the officers took him to the local tourist service unit for questioning.
During questioning, he initially claimed his name was John Ako, from Gambia. However, a check of Immigration entry records did not find anyone by that name.
The officers later asked to see his wallet and found a document showing the name Saikou Jawara, and Gambian nationality.
A further check showed that Mr Jawara entered Thailand by boat through the Tammalang port immigration checkpoint in Satun on Nov 11, 2016.
He then admitted to being the person in the entry record.
He told the arresting team that he had left Thailand and stayed in Malaysia for a certain period. He claimed he lost his passport there.
After deciding in 2017 that he wanted to return to Thailand, he paid a Malaysian friend US$200 to coordinate with a Thai friend to help him enter the kingdom.
Police investigators learned that the Thai fixer had also brought three other foreigners of unknown nationalities into Thailand.
After entering Thailand, Mr Jawara stayed with a female friend at her house on Koh Phangan, and has lived there ever since.
The woman, whose name was not disclosed, told investigators that she was not aware Mr Jawara had entered the country illegally. She had never seen his passport.
He was charged with entering and staying in the country without permission and handed over to investigators at the Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings.
Read the full story at Bangkok Post – Gambian arrested on Koh Phangan 7 years after illegal entry which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ Bangkok Post Assawin Pakkawan
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21 July 21 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4639 - Working illegally on Koh Phangan – Russian man arrested for running motorbike rental shop
A Russian man was arrested for running a motorcycle rental business on the tourist island of Koh Phangan. He was
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A Russian man was arrested for running a motorcycle rental business on the tourist island of Koh Phangan. He was also found to have overstayed his visa, says police.
Tourist police and local officials apprehended Denis Chervenko, 42, on Tuesday at Pooltrap Village Bungalow in tambon Ban Tai. Seized from him were five motorcycles, said Noppadol Khaomali, chief of Koh Phangan district.
According to Mr Noppadol, local officials received a complaint that Mr Chervenko had been running the business despite not having a work permit. The business was advertised on the social media platform Telegram.
After investigators confirmed the identity of the social media user advertising the business, a member of the arresting team then posted as a potential customer to inquire online about bike rental fees.
The fees were 2,800 baht per week plus the deposit of 3,500 baht per motorcycle. A two-week rental was 2,100 baht a week.
Under questioning, Mr Chervenko admitted he was in the country illegally and earned his living by running the motorcycle rental business.
He was charged with working without a work permit and overstaying his visa by 175 days.
The arrest followed the apprehension last month of a Swiss man who had run a barber shop for nine years on Koh Phangan. Barbering is an occupation reserved for Thai nationals under the law.
Police seize five motorcycles from the motorcycle rental business operated by a Russian man arrested on Koh Phangan. Read the full story at Bangkok Post – Russian arrested for running motorcycle rental on Koh Phangan which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ Bangkok Post
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11 July 11 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4633 - Working illegally on Koh Phangan – Russian woman arrested at beauty salon
A Russian woman was arrested at a beauty salon on Koh Phangan Island in Surat Thani for allegedly working illegally.
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A Russian woman was arrested at a beauty salon on Koh Phangan Island in Surat Thani for allegedly working illegally.
In a recent collaborative effort led by Mr. Jesada Chitrat, Governor of Surat Thani Province, and Mr. Noppadon Khaomali, Koh Phangan District Chief, authorities conducted a targeted operation alongside immigration officials. Under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisuka and Pol. Col. Naruewat Phutthawiro of Immigration Division 6, and Pol. Lt. Col. Ying Sanguansap Lapsanong, the team focused on enforcing regulations concerning foreign labor and maintaining order in tourism zones.
The operation, overseen by Police Chief Akaraphon Phulphon, Permanent Secretary for Security Department/Assistant Commander of the Company, Asst. Prof. Koh Phangan, in collaboration with the Koh Phangan District Special Operations Team (Tharn Sadet Police Station), involved cooperation with Immigration Police (Koh Phangan), led by Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Somwang, and Koh Phangan Police Station, under Pol. Col. Panya Niratimanon, Superintendent. Their efforts aimed to address reported concerns and uphold governmental policies on immigration and security.
During the operation, authorities apprehended Ms. Mariana, a 39-year-old Russian national, for allegedly working without a permit at a location in Ban Tai Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District. She was detained pending further legal proceedings at Koh Phangan Police Station, where evidence related to the unauthorized employment was submitted.
Local residents had alerted authorities to suspicions of illegal activities involving a Russian national operating a beauty salon disguised as a clothing store. Surveillance efforts confirmed these suspicions, leading to the enforcement action against Ms. Mariana, who had entered Thailand temporarily but engaged in unauthorized work.
The initiative forms part of ongoing measures mandated by the Surat Thani Provincial Security and Order Maintenance Committee, underscoring their commitment to enforcing laws related to foreign labor and enhancing public safety. Such operations seek to promote community welfare and safeguard the integrity of tourism areas, crucial for the well-being and confidence of residents and visitors alike.
Read the full story at Huahin Locality Guide – Thai Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Foreign Labor which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ Siamrath
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8 July 08 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4626 - Russian DJ arrested on Koh Phangan for Hit-and-run causing serious injuries and property damage
A Russian disc jockey wanted for a hit-and-run which seriously injured a motorcycle driver has been arrested on Koh Phangan
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A Russian disc jockey wanted for a hit-and-run which seriously injured a motorcycle driver has been arrested on Koh Phangan in this southern province.
Tourist police arrested Vigen Atoian, 36, at a house in tambon Ban Tai on Friday.
The suspect was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Samui provincial court for reckless driving causing serious injuries and property damage.
According to police, Mr Atoian worked as a DJ in several tourist provinces in Thailand. He had recently returned to Koh Phangan four days ago to work at a party, as he was popular among Russian tourists. He went by the name DJ Vigen on Instagram.
The arrest warrant, issued on July 30 last year, stemmed from a road crash in which the suspect, driving a Fortuner vehicle, hit a motorcycle, causing serious injuries to the motorcyclist.
Tourist police handed him over to investigators at Koh Phangan station for legal action.
Read the full story at KhaoSod – บุกจับดีเจ ซูเปอร์สตาร์รัสเซีย หนีหมายจับขับรถชน มาเปิดเพลงในปาร์ตี้เกาะพะงัน which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ KhaoSod
Tourist police on Friday apprehend Vigen Atoian, 36, at a house in Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani, after he evaded arrest following a hit-and-run. (Photo credit KhaoSod) The post Russian DJ arrested on Koh Phangan for Hit-and-run causing serious injuries and property damage appeared first on Koh Phangan Island News.
6 July 06 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4622 - Crackdown on illegal workers – six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer arrested on Koh Phangan
Police in Songkhla launched an operation targeting illegal foreign workers, arresting six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer for working
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Police in Songkhla launched an operation targeting illegal foreign workers, arresting six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer for working outside their permitted rights on Koh Phangan island. This action follows complaints from local leaders and residents.
The operation was ordered by Sak Sira, the Commissioner of Tourist Police, and executed by Winich Boonchit, a senior officer in the Tourist Police Division. They worked in coordination with Noppadon Khaomali, the district chief of Koh Phangan, and the local police and immigration officers.
Following complaints from local community leaders and residents, the Tourist Police investigated the activities of foreign workers on Koh Pha-ngan, focusing on those involved in trade. This led to the arrest of seven individuals: six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer.
The arrested individuals include 37 year old Htay Hla, a Myanmar national selling rice and curry by the roadside in Moo 4, Koh Phangan, 44 year old San Myint, a Burmese running a grocery store in Moo 4, and 43 year old Janjamfa Saengarun, a Thai national, charged with employing foreign workers beyond their permitted rights.
Others arrested were 40 year old Khin Myo Sat, a Myanmar national selling goods from a vehicle in Moo 3, 35 year old Than Than Aung, a Burmese individual running a tea shop in Moo 5, 47 year old Aye Aye Aung, a Myanmar national operating a store in Moo 5, and 19 year old Wai Yan Soe, a Burmese without a passport, who illegally entered Thailand through Ranong province, revealed Sak.
“The Tourist Police are strictly monitoring the behaviour of foreign nationals and migrant workers who are taking jobs from Thai people.”
The police are also cracking down on illegal activities in 10 prohibited categories within designated tourism areas to prevent tourists from disguising themselves as workers.
“This operation aims to ensure that foreign workers and tourists do not engage in unauthorised work that affects local employment.”
The arrests were part of a broader effort to enforce regulations on foreign labour and protect local job markets. Police are determined to maintain strict control over the activities of foreign nationals in key tourism areas, ensuring they comply with Thai laws and regulations, reported KhaoSod.
Read the full story at KhaoSod – เปิดปฏิบัติการ รวบ 6 แรงงานต่างด้าว แย่งอาชีพคนไทย ทำงานนอกเหนือสิทธิ which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ KhaoSod
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4 July 04 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4618 - Working illegally on Koh Phangan – Swiss Barber Arrested!
Police apprehended a 51 year old Swiss hairstylist in Koh Phangan for operating a barbershop without proper authorisation, challenging the
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Police apprehended a 51 year old Swiss hairstylist in Koh Phangan for operating a barbershop without proper authorisation, challenging the local police’s ability to detain him. He was arrested at Oliver Twist Hair in Ban Tai on charges of working illegally in Thailand.
The arrest took place after Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit and a team of Koh Phangan Tourist Police, in collaboration with local administrative officials, to investigate the matter. The police had received reports of a foreign national unlawfully working as a barber, a profession reserved for Thai citizens.
Further investigation on social media, specifically on facebook, revealed a fan page for Oliver Twist Hair, advertising hair-cutting and styling services by Oliver Ehrat. Customers could book appointments through the WhatsApp application.
During questioning, Oliver admitted that while he held a permit to work as a Managing Director of Oliver Twist Art Co., Ltd., he had been working as a hairstylist at Oliver Twist Hair, which had been operating for nine years. The charges for haircuts ranged from 500 baht (US$14) to approximately 4,000 baht (US$110), depending on the style.
The police informed Oliver of the charges.
“You are charged with being a foreign national working outside the scope of your permitted occupation (hairstylist).”
Following this, he was taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.
Read the full story at KhaoSod – จับช่างตัดผม ชาวสวิต เปิดร้านแย่งอาชีพคนไทย ท้าตร.จับฉันให้ได้ถ้านายแน่จริง which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ KhaoSod
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26 June 26 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4613 - French ‘religious leader’ arrested for 3 month visa overstay on Koh Phangan Island
A French national who allegedly claimed to be a religious leader was arrested on Koh Phangan in this southern province
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A French national who allegedly claimed to be a religious leader was arrested on Koh Phangan in this southern province on Sunday and charged with overstaying his visa, police said.
Evariste Douabou Koudoukouho, 39, was detained outside a mosque in tambon Ban Tai by tourism police who were looking into a complaint about a foreigner staying near the mosque who was claiming to be a religious leader and asking people to join religious activities being held there.
After seeing the man who fit the description in the complaint, police asked to see his passport and found that he entered the country on a 30-day tourist visa, which expired more than three months ago.
The man was charged with overstaying his visa and handed over to police at Koh Phangan station for further processing ahead of a court appearance.
Read the full story at Bangkok Post – French ‘religious leader’ cuffed on Koh Phangan which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ Bangkok Post
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24 June 24 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4609 - Nigerian arrested for overstaying visa by nine months on Koh Phangan Island
Police have arrested a Nigerian man on the tourist island of Koh Phangan for overstaying his visa by nine months.
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Police have arrested a Nigerian man on the tourist island of Koh Phangan for overstaying his visa by nine months.
Police were acting on complaints from local residents that a foreigner claiming to be an influential person from Nigeria was asking for free food and accommodation, said Pol Lt Col Winit Bunchit of the Tourist Police.
When police located the suspect he tried to run away, but they pursued and arrested him.
Officers found that Benjamin Chiemelie Ene, 35, had overstayed his visa by 276 days. He was taken to the Koh Phangan police station for further legal action.
The fine for a visa overstay is 500 baht per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht.
Read the full story at Bangkok Post – Nigerian overstayer arrested on Koh Phangan which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
Photo credit @ Bangkok Post – A police officer checks the passport of Benjamin Chiemelie Ene, 35, who was arrested on Koh Phangan for overstaying his visa. (Photo supplied/Assawin Pakkawan)
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2 June 02 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4605 - British man arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally working as tour guide
A British man was arrested on Koh Phangan, Thailand, for illegal working as a tour guide and charging 70,000 Baht
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A British man was arrested on Koh Phangan, Thailand, for illegal working as a tour guide and charging 70,000 Baht per head for tours. This illegal operation was unearthed by local authorities and tourist police following public complaints.
Mr. Jabran Elahi a 25-year-old British national, was apprehended at a hotel in Ban Tai. The arrest, on May 30, 2024, followed an intensive investigation into his activities. Jabran Elahi had been conducting tours without the necessary permits and licences required under Thai law.
The scheme involved organizing 18-day tours for foreign tourists, covering popular destinations including Bangkok, Khao Sok, Koh Phangan, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The cost per participant was £1,499, which converts to about 70,121.91 Baht. The Koh Phangan leg of the tour spanned days 5 to 8, with tourists provided free accommodation during their stay.
The police discovered that Jabran Elahi had hired two silver vans to transport tourists around the island. Destinations included the Chinracha Boxing Stadium and other popular sites. These unauthorised tours were run by his company, Sterling Ling Travel.
During interrogation Jabran Elahi admitted to orchestrating the tours and operating under the radar of legal requirements. Authorities noted that this illegal activity not only evaded local taxes but also potentially jeopardised the safety and satisfaction of the tourists involved.
The arrest marks a significant step in the crackdown on illegal tour operations in Thailand, highlighting the stringent regulations governing the industry. Ensuring tourist safety and the integrity of the tourism sector remains a top priority for Thai authorities.
Mr. Jabran Elahi was taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for further investigation and will face legal proceedings for his actions. Tourists are advised to verify the authenticity and legal standing of tour operators before partaking in travel packages.
Read the full story at Khao Sod – จับคาโรงแรม หนุ่มอังกฤษ ลอบเป็น นายหน้า นำเที่ยว คิดค่าหัวคิว7หมื่น which was brought to us by Google Alerts.
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31 May 31 2024General Newshttps://kohphangannews.org/?p=4601