On Koh Pha Ngan in the Gulf of Thailand, a 34 year old Russian man has been arrested for overstaying his legal visa conditions by 993 days, 3 months shy of 3 years. Legally, the man was entitled to a 45 day visa exemption on arrival, although his pre-overstay visa situation has not been disclosed.
The Russian man’s name has been withheld, but immigration officers stated that he was arrested at a resort on the island and has been taken to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to face overstaying charges.
According to the authorities, the arrest was made as part of a crackdown on overstaying foreigners in Surat Thani. Immigration officers in the area have been conducting patrols, which include legal passport checks. The Russian national has been in the country illegally for almost three years and is now awaiting deportation back to Russia – probably not the best time to be deported as a 34 year old male back to Russia.
Koh Pha Ngan is a popular destination for tourists and backpackers. Known for its full moon parties and beautiful beaches, the island attracts visitors from all over the world.
Immigration police are conducting a crackdown on overseers on Thailand’s holiday islands and tourist areas at the moment.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
