Surat Thani– In a recent operation, Koh Pha Ngan Tourist Police arrested two foreign nationals for illegally installing CCTV systems on the island. The arrests took place on Thursday, September 19th.
Mr. Alexander, a 34-year-old Russian national, was apprehended while installing a CCTV camera in front of a restaurant in the Koh Pha Ngan sub-district. Employed by an undisclosed company, Alexander claimed to be a marketing manager earning 41,300 Baht per month. He admitted that installing CCTV systems was a hobby that provided him with additional income, bringing his total monthly earnings to between 70,000 and 100,000 Baht. The company owner is now facing charges for hiring a foreigner to work in a protected occupation reserved for Thai nationals.
During the investigation, police also arrested Mr. Cagatay, a 45-year-old Turkish national, who was installing a CCTV system in front of another restaurant in a different village on the island. Cagatay, an interior designer by profession, stated that he was not paid in cash but was promised future shares in the company he was working for.
Both men were found with CCTV cameras and other equipment. They were taken to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to face charges of illegally working as technicians. The Phuket Express noted that the occupation of technician is protected in Thailand, and work permits and visas for such jobs are not available to foreigners.
