Surat Thani–
An Israeli woman and a Russian man were arrested on Pha Ngan Island for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities and operating a barber shop without proper authorization.
The Pha Ngan Tourist Police reported to the Phuket Express that on Thursday, August 8th, they apprehended a suspect identified only as Ms. Libby, a 27-year-old Israeli national. She was found in possession of 1.4 grams of Ecstasy and was visibly distressed during the arrest. Ms. Libby was taken to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to face charges of illegal possession of category 1 drugs.
In a related incident, officers also arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Vladislav, a 29-year-old Russian national, at a barber shop. He had allegedly been advertising his barber services on the Telegram online platform. Mr. Vladislav was taken to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to face charges of working without permission. Both individuals were arrested at the same residence in the Koh Pha Ngan sub-district.
The Phuket Express highlights that barbers and salon workers are considered protected occupations in Thailand, and foreigners are not permitted to work in these fields or obtain work permits for such jobs.
