Russians behaving badly arrested in Phuket, face deportation

PHUKET: Immigration Police arrested two Russian men at Nai Harn Beach yesterday after complaints that the men were “behaving badly”, including stealing small items from local stores and failing to pay for meals in nearby restaurants.

Officers arrested Mikael Morkretkof, 45, and Denis Rievsef, 32, as the pair were walking along Nai Harn Beach yesterday afternoon, explained Capt Nattapong Klaithong of Phuket Immigration Police.

“We had received several complaints about two men, so we patrolled the beach and found them walking along the sand,” he said.

“Although the men’s behavior was not appreciated by the locals, we were told that some felt pity for them and gave them food.”

After visually identifying the two men, Capt Nattapong asked to see their passports.

“They said they didn’t have any, so we brought them to the Immigration office in Phuket Town to check their details,” Capt Nattapong said.

“That’s when we discovered that both men had long overstayed in Thailand.”

Mr Morkretkof arrived in Thailand on August 9. “His visa expired on September 7,” said Capt Nattapong.

Mr Rievsef arrived on December 8. “His visa expired on January 6,” he added.

The two men confessed to overstaying their permits-to-stay and were taken to Chalong Police Station to be charged.

“They are being held there until they are presented at Phuket Provincial Court tomorrow,” said Capt Nattapong.

“We have yet to decide whether or not they will be deported.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong