“On entering the villa, officers found over 30 drones and a number of wild animals, including wildcats, pythons and marco parrots.”
Phuket police have arrested an Indian national and a number of other foreigners following a 4 hour siege at a luxury villa in the sub-district of Cherng Talay. The standoff eventually ended when the provincial Special Operations and Tactics (SWAT) team stormed the grounds.
It’s understood two Phuket Immigration officers were assaulted by security men stationed at the property. The villa is situated on a hill in the Laem Singh area, which is home to many luxury properties.
At around 11.15am yesterday, October 26, officers from Phuket Immigration arrived at the property to arrest an Indian man who had overstayed his visa. They were met by “a large number” of security personnel, who blocked their access and became violent. It’s reported that one of them was carrying what looked like a gun.
After being assaulted, the officers retreated and called for back-up. Alerted to the situation, the chief of Phuket Immigration, Thanet Sakchai, called Sermphan Sirikong, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, along with Region 8 Police.
Some time later, the SWAT team arrived and a 4 hour stand-off ensued. Eventually, officers entered the grounds of the property, managing to secure the area. They found nearly 20 cars and an ambulance in the grounds.
On entering the villa, officers found over 30 drones and a number of wild animals, including wildcats, pythons and marco parrots. Wildlife officials were called to check for permits to keep the animals. All foreigners at the property were arrested and taken to Chergtalay Police Station.
PHOTO: MGR Online
According to the report, the villa was being rented by an Indian national and his Ukrainian wife, who had been there for around 3 months. The property is on a 10 rai plot of land and valued at around 500 million baht.
Two Indian nationals, named only as 29 year old Mr Kartik and 25 year old Saxena Yuvraj, have been charged with overstaying in Thailand by two days. Shkodo Georgi, a 33 year old Russian national, has been charged with overstaying his visa by 60 days.
According to the report, police have not confirmed if anyone will be charged with the assault on the immigration officers or for preventing them from carrying out their duties.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
