Surat Thani –
Immigration officers in Surat Thani have arrested four Russian nationals from Phuket for illegally working as electricians and construction workers on the island. The arrests are part of a nationwide crackdown on foreigners engaging in unauthorized employment and nominee businesses that undermine Thai labor and economic laws.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, Commander of Immigration Division 6, told the Phuket Express that the investigators had tracked the group for several days, observing them transporting tools and equipment to a building in Chaweng being converted into a karaoke bar and nightclub. Officers moved in after spotting one suspect outside, and found all four men inside wiring electrical systems, installing sound and lighting equipment, and setting up control panels.
The suspects were identified as:
- Konstantin Kupert, 43
- Vladislav Loginov, 27
- Nikolai Kolpadov, 38
- Maxim Grebkin, 45
Two of the men were found to have overstayed their visas by three months, while the others held work permits but were performing jobs reserved for Thai nationals. All four were employees of a company based in Phuket and had crossed to Koh Samui to work for fellow Russians operating the entertainment venue.
Authorities seized tools and wiring equipment as evidence and confirmed the venue was linked to Russian business interests. The suspects were charged with illegal employment and visa violations, and will be prosecuted before deportation. Officials also announced that the company employing them will be investigated for nominee business practices.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chutharet stated that the arrests reflect government policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet to suppress transnational crime and protect Thai livelihoods. He warned that foreigners residing in Thailand must strictly comply with the law, or face decisive legal action.
