Surat Thani, Thailand– An Italian man was rescued by Thai immigration officers after being locked inside a visa service office by a Myanmar staffer following a debate over a refund in the Koh Pha Ngan district of Surat Thani.
Earlier this week, the Koh Pha Ngan Police received a distress call on the police hotline 191 from a foreign man trapped inside a visa service company in the Koh Pha Ngan sub-district. Responding promptly, the Koh Pha Ngan Police and Surat Thani Immigration Officers arrived at the scene to find the front door locked. Upon seeing the officers, the man signaled for help.
Officers requested the staff inside to open the door, and Ms. Nanthicha, a staff member, complied. Inside, they found Mr. Pietro, a 34-year-old Italian national, who expressed his relief and distress upon being freed. Another staffer, Miss Su, a 25-year-old Myanmar national, was also present.
Mr. Pietro explained to the officers, with tears in his eyes, that he had come to the company to inquire about a refund for visa and work permit services he had paid for. However, a disagreement ensued, leading to the Myanmar staffer, Miss Su, allegedly locking the front door, trapping him inside.
Miss Su told the officers that Mr. Pietro had been recording their conversation on video, prompting her to do the same while they contacted their lawyer and the authorities. Mr. Pietro was asked to delete the video.
Ultimately, Miss Su was taken to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to face charges of illegal detention and working illegally as a clerical staffer.
