Raid on Koh Phangan: Russian rental car company in focus!

Raid on Koh Phangan: Russian rental car company in focus!

In the bustling tourist island of Koh Phangan, Thai authorities carried out a large-scale raid on a rental car company run by foreigners on October 22, 2025. Loud mgronline The operation was coordinated by several authorities, including the tourist police and the local administration.

The company, located at Center Point Market in Ban Thong Sala, reportedly had over 400 motorcycles and about 20 cars in its fleet. The raid was sparked by complaints from tourists who said their passports were being held by the company. As a result of this search, five Burmese workers were arrested, while 39-year-old Russian manager Valerii Belomitsev was also taken into custody.

The problems in detail

The investigation found that the company did not have valid permits to operate and the Burmese workers were not employed in accordance with their work permits. A Thai woman who was in charge of internal administration claimed to be a co-owner of the company. But the authorities are checking whether this ownership is a nomination, as the actual owner is a Russian living in Phuket.

Worryingly, some of the motorcycles showed signs of tampering, suggesting they may not have been acquired legally. Loud Thairath A Myanmar employee said he had purchased motorcycles from compatriots, raising further questions about business practices.

Consequences for the tourism sector

Legal action against the company is now pending, including charges of illegal employment and operating without a permit. The police are also planning a comprehensive investigation into the origin of the seized vehicles. Such incidents could further damage Thailand's already tarnished image in the tourism sector. According to the reports, travelers are becoming increasingly wary of traditional transportation systems in Thailand amid ongoing complaints about fraud and security. These concerns are driving many tourists to use alternative routes such as ride-hailing apps like Grab, which are considered more reliable and transparent, although they often cost more. Loud nationthailand The advantages of these apps are predetermined prices and information about drivers, which makes them particularly attractive for international travelers.

With these stories in the background, it remains to be seen how the situation surrounding the rental car company will develop and what measures the authorities will take to restore confidence in Thailand's tourism sector.