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- Koh Samui Villas Encounter Demolition Delay as Legal Dispute Unfolds
In a significant standoff on Koh Samui yesterday, local authorities' attempts to enforce demolition of 11 unauthorised luxury villas hit a legal roadblock. The villas, part of the Ariya Residence project, are situated in Moo 3, Maret, and have been under scrutiny due to violations of the Building Control Act of 2522 (1979).
Leading the operation, Koh Samui Mayor Ramnet Jaikang and legal officer Pallop Meepian, accompanied by police and environmental officials, sought to implement a demolition order issued in 2019. The order demanded the structures be dismantled within 90 days, citing legal non-compliance. Despite follow-up notices in April 2024, the villa owners had not adhered to these orders.
Upon attempting to access the site at 10 am, officials were thwarted by barricades and a "Private Property, No Entry" sign. The project's lawyer intervened, informing officials a petition to annul the demolition order had been submitted just days prior. The legal representative argued the municipality's initial actions were flawed, with plans to challenge the enforcement in the administrative court.
“We believe that the municipality’s actions are not under the law, and we will take this matter to court,” stated the project's lawyer, underscoring the owners' resolve to counter the municipal directive legally.
Foiled in their efforts, municipal official Pallop filed a formal report with Bo Phut Police Station to escalate the situation legally. Meanwhile, the Fourth Army Area Command underscored an urgent need to enforce administrative protocols, maintaining that the villas must eventually face lawful dismantling.
As this legal battle progresses, the spotlight remains on whether the Koh Samui municipality can uphold its demolition orders amidst intensified legal scrutiny and the owners' determined opposition. The resolution of this dispute may set a significant precedent for similar cases across Thailand.
Picture courtesy: Wochenblitz
-- 2024-10-23
23 October 23 20241341452 - Samui Tourist Police Arrest Lao Woman Working Illegally in Massage Shop, Posing as a Thai
Under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Sak Siraphuak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, Samui Tourist Police conducted an operation on October 17, at a health massage parlour in Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. The raid followed an investigation indicating that a Lao national was working at the establishment without legal authorisation.
Led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Winij Bunchit, the team, including Police Sub-Lieutenant Sittithat Saengmanitham, and officers Peeradet Khongyot, Anuwat Kithong, and Phasakorn Niammi, visited the massage parlour located in Moo 1, Bo Phut. They encountered a woman who initially claimed to be a Thai citizen but was unable to provide a valid ID card, showing only a digital photo of it on her mobile phone.
Upon further questioning, the woman was unable to recall basic information such as her name, birthdate, or ID number. She claimed to be of mixed Thai-Lao heritage, but after additional interrogation at the Samui Tourist Police Station, she admitted to being Lao. Identified as Ms. Choum Chanphouvong, 24, a Lao national and she confessed to working illegally in Thailand.Authorities charged Ms. Chanphouvong with two offenses: overstaying her legal entry into the Kingdom and working without a valid work permit. She was handed over to Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings. Penalties for these offenses include fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht, followed by deportation and a two-year ban from re-entering Thailand for work purposes.
Additionally, the employer who hired Ms. Chanphouvong faces charges for employing a foreigner without a work permit, carrying a fine of 10,000 to 100,000 baht per illegal worker. Repeat offenses may lead to imprisonment of up to one year or fines between 50,000 and 200,000 baht.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Tourist Police to ensure compliance with immigration and labour laws on the island.
Picture from Tourist Police.
-- 2024-10-18
17 October 17 20241341015 - Koh Samui hide ‘n’ seek: Fugitive’s 19-year retreat ends in arrest
Police apprehended a fugitive on the island of Koh Samui who had been evading capture for 19 years. The 47 year old suspect was only one year away from the statute of limitations expiring for his crimes.
Police, under the direction of Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and led by Major General Montri Theskhan, Colonel Phongpanot Chukaew, and Lieutenant Colonel Thanakorn Uchanarasamee, executed the arrest.
Rathakorn, under a warrant issued by the Phatthalung Provincial Court on December 1, 2005, was charged with premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without permission, and carrying firearms without urgent necessity.
Rathakorn had been living a secluded life on Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, avoiding any contact with police. He even refrained from seeking medical attention after being involved in a car accident and did not attend his father’s funeral to avoid detection. His evasive behaviour included not renewing his identification card and avoiding hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The police finally tracked him down to a residence in Maenam, Koh Samui, where he was arrested while heading to work in the morning. Despite being shown the arrest warrant, Rathakorn denied all allegations. He was subsequently taken to Phatthalung Police Station, where the original crime took place, to face legal proceedings.
The case dates back to late 2005 when Rathakorn and his accomplices visited a nightclub in Phatthalung. A dispute with another group escalated, leading Rathakorn and his associates to follow the rival group in a car after the nightclub closed. They encountered the rival group in front of Kanchanaphisek Park on Ramesuan Road in Kuhasawan, Mueang Phatthalung. Rathakorn then allegedly shot and killed one of the rivals.
Fugitive arrest
Following the incident, Rathakorn and his accomplices went their separate ways to evade arrest. While his friends were eventually apprehended, Rathakorn managed to remain at large, constantly relocating to avoid capture. He believed that hiding on Koh Samui, a remote island, would keep him safe from police detection.
In a police interview, Rathakorn admitted to being aware of the arrest warrant against him and said he had been in hiding ever since. He thought the remote location of Koh Samui would prevent the police from finding him.
For nearly two decades, he avoided all forms of identification and government transactions. He even skipped getting a Covid-19 vaccine and stayed away from his father’s funeral in Phatthalung, knowing that police were monitoring the event, reported KhaoSod.
“I thought I could endure just one more year until the statute of limitations expired but the police managed to catch me.”
By Bright Choomanee
Picture courtesy of KhaoSod
9 October 09 20241340267 - Russian fined 5,000 baht after driving dangerously on Koh Samui - video
A Russian man yesterday faced a 5,000 baht fine after dangerous driving on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Locals were impressed by the police’s swift action, though some felt the punishment was too lenient.
A Thai woman took to a Facebook group called รวมพลคนสมุย (meaning Samui locals gathering) to expose the dangerous behaviour of the foreign driver, later identified as 30 year old Russian man Aleksandr Sharygo. The woman shared a picture of Sharygo’s yellow luxury car with a caption.
“Foreign driver drove very dangerously and almost hit me. I saw him on the Fisherman-Bor Phut Road at about 7.30pm. Be careful, everyone.”
She also included a video of Sharygo’s reckless driving in the comments section. The video showed the yellow Nissan car speeding and cutting off a truck in a narrow alley. The car was also seen parked in a prohibited spot on the road.
Officers from Bor Phut Police Station conducted their investigation and discovered the luxury car parked outside a hotel in the area. The police checked the registration details and found that the Russian man failed to report the change of the car’s colour to the officials and had not paid the vehicle tax.
The officers confiscated the car, prompting Sharygo to meet them later at the police station. Sharygo insisted that he obtained the car legally and had paid the required taxes. However, the records had not yet appeared in the system as the showroom had not finished preparing the ownership documents.
Nevertheless, the failure to report the change in the car’s colour violated the Land Transport Act, resulting in a 5,000-baht fine. The police also warned the foreigner not to drive recklessly, as shown in the video, again.
Sharygo admitted to his inappropriate actions and issued an apology to local motorists and pedestrians.
Many Thai netizens were impressed with the police’s swift action, while others wanted the foreigner punished more severely. Some even urged police to confiscate the car to prevent him from repeating his dangerous driving on the island and possible accidents.
By Petch Petpailin
Photo via Facebook/ สถานีตำรวจภูธรบ่อผุด RTP Cyber Village
25 September 25 20241339082 - Thai police shut down 21 villas on Koh Samui, foreigners evicted
Police on the picturesque island of Koh Samui swooped and shut down 21 luxury villas that were built illegally on the pristine Khao Ma Ngaen mountain, leaving foreign tenants scrambling to pack their bags.
Municipal, military, and ombudsman officials yesterday, September 17, slapped closure notices on the villas, which were among 46 properties constructed without permits. These villas had brazenly encroached on the mountainside in the Bo Phut subdistrict, a popular tourist hub.
Three of the 21 villas were occupied by foreign tenants, who were left no choice but to vacate. One of them, a Frenchman running a local cleaning business, had signed a one-year lease and was paying 20,000 baht a month for his slice of paradise.
“I had no idea this place was illegal,” he said as he packed his belongings. All tenants cooperated and swiftly vacated the premises.
The remaining villas, though empty, were still being advertised as available for lease, luring potential tenants into the same legal mess.
Colonel Dusit Kesornkaeo, head of environmental protection at the Internal Security Operations Command, confirmed the crackdown, stating that the villas were ordered closed after no appeals were filed against the original ruling.
“These properties had no right to be here.”
The 46 villas, including the 21 already closed, were part of a wider illegal development scheme run by three companies, all of which failed to obtain proper building permits, reported Bangkok Post.
By Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post
18 September 18 20241338515 - Australian tourists help collect rubbish on Koh Samui (video)
A group of Australian tourists on Koh Samui became an unexpected viral sensation by helping local municipal workers collect rubbish in the early morning hours. Their enthusiastic efforts, captured on video, brought smiles and laughter to viewers, especially Thais.The incident took place yesterday at around 4am, today, August 22, when the tourists, hanging off the back of a garbage truck, eagerly assisted in lifting and emptying bins. Their spirited participation left a lasting impression on anyone who passed by, with some even shouting praises.
The video that captured this endearing moment was shared on TikTok by a user who mentioned being so charmed by the scene that they had to turn their car around to record it.“Aussie guys, it was around 4am, and we drove past them. We had to turn back to capture their cuteness. Sorry for the laughter in the background, we were drunk, and they were just too adorable.”
The clip quickly gained traction online, with viewers expressing their admiration for the tourists’ unexpected act of kindness. The tourists’ actions were not only endearing but also demonstrated a sense of community and willingness to help, even while on holiday, reported KhaoSod.@sgjm.msw22 ตอบกลับ @พูดไปเรื่อย จัดให้ค่ะ 😂 🇦🇺🇹🇭 หนุ่มออสซี่ 💕💕 ตอนนั้นถ่ายประมาณ ตี4 ขับรถผ่านไปแล้ว ต้องวนกลับมาถ่ายความน่ารักเลยค่ะ 🤣🤣😅 ** ขออภัยในเสียงขำนะคะ ตอนนั้นเมา และ พวกเขาน่ารักมาก ** #คนไทยรู้ทัน #เกาะสมุย #samui #suratthai #ตลก #australia #thailand ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - หนีงานไปเที่ยวกันเถอะ 🫶🏻
The video shows the group of tourists energetically lifting bins and dumping the rubbish into the truck, all while maintaining high spirits. Their cheerful attitude and willingness to get their hands dirty were met with applause and cheers from onlookers, said another unnamed resident.“It’s not often you see tourists going out of their way to help with such a thankless task. These guys are amazing!
“It’s so heartwarming to see people from different parts of the world coming together and helping out, even in small ways like this. It restores your faith in humanity.”
Locals who witnessed the scene expressed their gratitude and amazement at the tourists’ actions.
“Seeing them help out like this so early in the morning was truly inspiring. It shows that kindness knows no boundaries.”
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-22
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22 August 22 20241336171 - Russian and Turkish Nationals Arrested for Illegal IT and Interior Installation Work
Russian and Turkish Nationals Arrested for Illegal IT and Interior Installation Work on Koh Phangan
Authorities in Koh Phangan have arrested two foreign nationals for illegal work activities involving high-income IT and interior installation services.
On September 18, 2024, Police Lieutenant Colonel Winich Boonchit from the Tourist Police Division received complaints about foreign workers violating labour laws. In response, the police launched a crackdown operation aimed at protecting jobs reserved for Thai nationals. The focus was on foreign individuals engaged in unauthorised labour activities on the island.
Alexander, a 34-year-old Russian national, was apprehended at a restaurant in Moo 1, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, while installing CCTV cameras, televisions, and sound systems. Evidence collected at the scene led to charges of "working outside of the permitted occupation" for a technician role.
Simultaneously, Chaitai, a 45-year-old Turkish national, was arrested at a shop in Moo 8, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province. He was caught using tools to measure walls and clean decorative items.
Chaitai faced charges of "working without a work permit." Both suspects were taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal procedures.
During questioning, Alexander revealed he is a marketing manager for Sol Treatment Co., Ltd., with a salary of 41,300 baht per month.
However, he admitted to performing technical work for the company, including installing CCTV systems, televisions, and sound equipment, a role that significantly boosted his monthly earnings to between 70,000 and 100,000 baht. He frequently traveled across the country for these projects, reported Matichon.
Chaitai confessed to working as an interior technician for a company, handling installations and cleaning interior decorations. His responsibilities included installing electronic equipment and cleaning decorative items. Rather than receiving a standard salary, he was promised a future business partnership in the company.
Picture courtesy: Matichon
-- 2024-09-19
19 September 19 20241338556 - Italian Tourist Locked in Office Over Visa Refund Dispute
Picture courtesy: Facebook/ข่าว สวท.สมุย
An Italian man called the police for help after being locked in an office by a Myanmar woman following a dispute over a visa refund. This unusual incident took place on the serene island of Koh Phangan in Surat Thani Province on August 30.
Mr. Pietro, a 34-year-old Italian tourist, found himself in a dire situation at an office that handles visa extensions for travellers like himself.
The office, part of a registered service company in Moo 8, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, was the scene of a tense negotiation gone wrong. Pietro had visited to request a refund for his visa and work permit fees but ended up being detained instead.
The 191 emergency hotline received Pietro's distress call about being locked in the office. This alerted the local police.
Superintendent Pol. Col. Panya Niratimanon and District Chief Mr. Noppadon Kaomali, in coordination with the Koh Phangan Immigration Office, quickly sent a team to investigate.
Upon arrival, authorities found the office's door locked, with 25-year-old Miss Su Su Aye, a Myanmar national and employee, blocking the exit. Pietro was seen signalling for help through the door. Police negotiated the release with another staff member, Ms. Nunticha, who eventually opened the door, freeing a visibly emotional Pietro.
The backstory revealed that Pietro’s request for a refund had escalated quickly. When negotiations failed, both parties began recording the interaction on their phones. Miss Su Su Aye eventually locked the door and detained Pietro, waiting for legal advice on having the recordings deleted.
In response, the police charged Miss Su Su Aye with unlawful detention and unauthorised work beyond her permitted duties. Three mobile phones used in recording the incident were seized for further evidence.
Miss Su Su Aye has been handed over to the Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings. So far, no further comments have been made from either party or the service company.
Picture courtesy: Facebook/ข่าว สวท.สมุย
-- 2024-09-03
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3 September 03 20241337144 - Tourist Police Ensure Safety for Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan
Picture courtesy: Daily News
Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, has assured enhanced safety measures for tourists attending the upcoming Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, set to attract thousands of visitors.
The announcement came after a crucial security briefing held at the Vannee Golden Sands Hotel on September 18, involving key officials and representatives.
Joining the security discussions were Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongsiyam Meekhantong, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phopphon Chakkapark, British Consul Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, London Police Chief Inspector Lorenzo Conigliaro, as well as local district and municipal leaders, reported Daily News.
Picture courtesy: Daily News
The main focus was on strategies to ensure the safety of the event, which will take place on Haad Rin Beach, the epicentre of the Full Moon Party festivities.
Post-meeting, a large-scale readiness check and public relations campaign was conducted right on Haad Rin Beach. This initiative involved a broad spectrum of agencies including the Koh Phangan District Office, Koh Phangan Police, Surat Thani Immigration, and the Koh Phangan Marine Department.
These groups, along with village committees, will work collectively to safeguard the well-being of tourists and locals alike.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira emphasised that the initiative is in line with the government's tourism promotion policy led by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Picture courtesy: Daily News
The aim is to create a secure environment that will attract more tourists, boosting the local economy. With the high tourist season around the corner, the Tourist Police are ramping up efforts to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Moreover, tourists can reach the Tourist Police via the 24/7 call centre at 1155, which is linked to emergency services at 191 and 1669, ensuring continuous support.
This comprehensive approach is expected to build confidence among tourists, reassuring them of their safety while enjoying one of Thailand’s most famous beach parties.
Picture courtesy: Daily News
-- 2024-09-19
18 September 18 20241338535 - Aussie Arrested in Koh Phangan for 15 Sexual Assault Cases in Australia
Surat Thani Immigration Police have apprehended an Australian fugitive wanted for 15 cases of sexual assault and rape, who was hiding in Thailand for retirement.
On September 12, Pol. Col. Naruwat Phuthawiro, Superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Sangwansap Lapsanong and Pol. Lt. Col. Sirivat Somwang, both Deputy Superintendents, and an investigative team detained Mr. Helio, a 62-year-old Australian national, for overstaying his visa.
It was discovered that Mr. Helio was subject to an INTERPOL Blue Notice for multiple sexual assault and rape charges in Australia.
Pol. Col. Naruwat reported that the investigation team received a tip about Mr. Helio, who had been committing sexual crimes in Australia since 2017 and was hiding in Thailand.
Mr. Helio entered Thailand on June 16, 2024, with a tourist exemption visa valid until July 15, 2024. He extended his stay by another 30 days, until August 15, 2024.
Picture courtesy: Daily News
During this time, Mr. Helio applied for an extension to live in Thailand for retirement, which had already expired. The team later located his residence at a resort on Koh Phangan and arrested him for overstaying his visa. He was handed over to the Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal action.
Pol. Col. Naruwat emphasized that Mr. Helio’s criminal record posed a risk of further crimes if he continued to evade capture in Thailand. For public safety, citizens are urged to report any suspicious foreigners or tourists who might be criminals to Surat Thani Immigration to help prevent crimes and ensure safety in the province.
TOP Picture courtesy: Daily News
-- 2024-09-13
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12 September 12 20241338048