Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand

The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business.

The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in the Koh Pha Ngan district. The authorities confiscated a Honda Forza 300 with a Bangkok registration from Kulnevnich.

The arrest followed a tip-off about foreign nationals in Koh Pha Ngan, a popular tourist spot in the southern part of Thailand, engaging in illegal work activities. These individuals were reportedly renting out vehicles via social media platforms.

Investigations led the police to a Facebook user, Danil Vishnya, who was found to have advertised a Honda Forza for rent at 10,000 baht (US$280) per month. The advertisement was posted on the Pha Ngan Bike and Car Rent & Sale Facebook page.

Kulnevnich was charged with working without a permit and was subsequently handed over to local law enforcement for further legal proceedings.

This arrest is part of a recent police crackdown on foreigners involved in illicit work activities, following an incident in Phuket. In this incident, a Swiss national was accused of assaulting a Thai woman near his villa. The incident, which occurred late last month, led to a public uproar among residents, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Provincial Police Region 8 in Phuket province cracked down on illegal foreigners, charging two Russians for working without permits at a car rental shop owned by another Russian.

Amid calls for investigations into foreigners’ activities, officers discovered the illicit business and arrested the workers. The employer also faced charges for hiring without permits.

In a related incident, Patong Police Station apprehended two Russian women for involvement in illegal sex services.

Both cases highlight authorities’ efforts to tackle illegal activities involving foreigners in Thailand, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.