Italian illegally detained by Burmese woman after visa dispute
An Italian man sought help from the Thai police after being detained by a Burmese woman following an argument over a visa fee in a company office on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani.
Officers from Koh Pha Ngan Police Station and the Tourist Police rushed to the company office on the island after the 34 year old Italian man, named Pietro Nigro, requested assistance. Upon arrival, officers found Nigro sitting inside a room within the office, while the Burmese woman, 25 year old Su Su Aye, stood at the door.
The front door was locked but the police could see the Italian man waving his hands and signalling for help through a glass window.
The officers then knocked on the door and instructed a Thai staff member, later identified as Nanticha, to open it. The police demanded the release of Nigro, who broke into tears immediately upon exiting the room.
Nigro told the police that he came to the company to inquire about his visa renewal and work permit. He demanded a refund but the company would not agree. When they could not resolve the matter, the Burmese woman, Su Su Aye, locked him in the room.
Nigro did not disclose to the public the reasons behind wanting his money back.
Burmese worker
Su Su Aye recounted that Nigro filmed her with his mobile phone while they were arguing about the visa fee refund. In response, she took out her phone and recorded him as well, and later contacted a lawyer to order Nigro to delete the videos.
While waiting for the lawyer, an Indian customer arrived at the office for a visa renewal service. Su Su Aye had to attend to the customer and asked Nigro to wait in the room until the lawyer arrived. However, Nigro attempted to flee, prompting her to lock the door.
Su Su Aye faces two charges for her actions, including:
- Section 310 of the Criminal Law: Detaining a person leading to death or severe injury. The penalty is imprisonment for three to 15 years.
- Sections 8 and 101 of the Emergency Decree on Managing Foreign Workers: Working without a Work Permit. The penalty is a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation, and a ban on applying for a two-year work permit.
The police confirmed that the company where the incident occurred had a valid licence to register and renew visas for foreigners. Two company mobile phones and Su Su Aye’s phone were seized for investigation.
