Surat Thani –
A Gambian man was arrested on Pha Ngan Island in Surat Thani after it was discovered he had been staying illegally for seven years.
The Koh Pha Ngan Tourist Police informed the Phuket Express that on Friday (July 19th), they arrested Mr. Saikou, a 52-year-old Gambian national, in Chalok Lham Village, Pha Ngan sub-district. It was reported that Mr. Saikou shouted “Bingo” when he saw the police.
He was unable to present any legal documents for his stay and was taken to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station. The police found no record of his entry into Thailand in the Thai Immigration system.
Mr. Saikou admitted to the police that after his last exit from Thailand, he stayed in Malaysia. He lost his passport but wanted to re-enter Thailand. He contacted a Malaysian friend who helped him enter Thailand illegally for a fee of 200 US dollars. Mr. Saikou also sought help from his Thai friends.
After successfully entering Thailand illegally, he stayed on Pha Ngan Island with a close female friend since 2017. The woman told the police that she did not know Mr. Saikou had entered Thailand illegally and had never seen his passport.
Mr. Saikou is facing charges of illegal entry and staying in the country and is awaiting deportation.
