Foreign-Owned Motorcycle Rental Business Busted on Koh Phangan
Arrests Made in Illegal Business Operation
In a crackdown on illegal foreign-owned businesses, a Myanmar national was arrested on Koh Phangan for running a motorcycle rental business that earns him 20,000 baht a day, an occupation reserved for Thai nationals. The man, identified as Than Zin Soe, 40, and his employee, Win Naing, 39, were detained during a raid on a motorcycle repair shop in Ban Hat Rin Village, Moo 6, Tambon Ban Tai, on Thursday.
Details of the Raid
A team of tourist police, immigration officers, and local officials carried out the raid after receiving complaints from tourists. They reported that a foreign national had seized passports from customers who rented motorcycles and charged excessively high rental fees. During the raid, nine motorcycles and an air tank were seized from the shop.
Confession and Operation Details
During questioning, Than Zin Soe admitted to renting motorcycles and keeping customers’ passports as collateral to ensure the return of the bikes. He also confirmed that the shop provided motorcycle repairs and that customers were required to sign rental contracts. Than Zin Soe stated that his business earned at least 13,000 baht a day from rentals, with additional income from bike repairs, totaling around 20,000 baht daily. He paid his employee, Win Naing, 200 baht a day, plus food and accommodation.
Charges and Legal Action
Both Than Zin Soe and Win Naing were arrested. Than Zin Soe faces charges for illegally operating a business, working in a reserved occupation as a foreign national, and employing an illegal migrant. Win Naing has been charged with working without a permit, and it was revealed that he had overstayed his visa by five years. Both men were transferred to Koh Phangan police station for further legal proceedings.
Government Response
Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phuek-am, the Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, announced that heads of tourist police stations in resort areas like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have been instructed to aggressively target foreign nationals engaging in illegal activities. This arrest serves as part of ongoing efforts to combat foreign nationals exploiting local laws.
