Koh Phangan/Surat Thani –
A 30-year-old male Russian national, identified only as Mr. Maksim , has been arrested in Koh Phangan after overstaying his tourist visa by 194 days and residing in a local temple for more than eight months due to financial struggles.
The Surat Thani immigration told the Phuket Express that the arrest followed reports from local residents and the village headman, who informed authorities of Mr. Maksim’s prolonged stay at a temple. Investigations revealed that he entered Thailand on a tourist visa, which expired six months ago. With no funds to sustain himself, he had been living in the temple and using donated goods for survival.
He has been charged with “being a foreigner residing in the Kingdom without valid authorization”, violating Thailand’s strict immigration laws. He was the handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station, where further legal proceedings are underway.
