Pai's Deportation of International Musician Sparks Outcry

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

A heated controversy has emerged following the deportation of Brazilian musician, Matheus, after he was detained by Thai immigration authorities in Pai, Mae Hong Son province. The incident, which involved a minor work permit infraction, has provoked significant debate over the appropriateness of the measures employed.

 

Matheus’s partner, Yael, an Israeli tourist, responded swiftly, drawing media attention to what she perceives as excessive handling of the case. She recounted the ordeal in an impassioned email dated February 16, describing the distressing circumstances faced by Matheus and other musicians apprehended at a live performance in Jazz House restaurant on February 13. The detention has also disrupted Matheus’s scheduled tour in Japan.

 

Yael's plea articulated the difficult conditions under which Matheus and his fellow musicians were held, left without basic provisions and forced to sleep on the floor for two nights. The court hearing on February 15 resulted in a 5,000 baht fine for the performers, including Matheus. Nevertheless, their ordeal extended as they were subsequently moved to Mae Hong Son immigration detention, sparking further questions around the severity of the punishment.

The incident involved four individuals: Brian, an Irish national and Jazz House owner, and three musicians – Matheus, along with Israelis Mr. Yishay and Mr. Shay. While Brian was bailed out on 120,000 baht for operating without official business registration, the musicians faced varied fines for their role in the situation. Notably, Mr. Shay was fined 8,000 baht for working outside the scope of his permitted activities.

 

Matheus, who had been touring Thailand for three months, found his professional commitments disrupted as he was scheduled to perform in Japan from February 17. The events took a surprising turn with his deportation, a move that many view as heavy-handed relative to the offense.

 

This occurrence brings to light mounting tensions in Pai, where an increase in foreign workers has provoked calls for rigorous enforcement of work permits, echoing local apprehensions about job competition. Thai immigration authorities, responding to these concerns, have ramped up enforcement but face scrutiny from those who argue the approach lacks proportionality, reported Khaosod.

 

As the situation continues to unfold, it underscores the delicate balance between maintaining regulatory integrity and ensuring enforcement measures are just and fair, especially within a context as unique as Pai’s thriving musical and tourist scene. The case of Matheus and his fellow musicians stands as a poignant example of the complexities entwined in regulatory enforcement, cultural dynamics, and personal narratives within this picturesque part of Thailand.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[ikke1959]

Thailand is just tourist unfriendly, partly caused by outdated laws. There should be a revision of several laws just to make it matching with era we live in and not how it was 50-75 years back.. 

The amount of papers needed for a workpermit is terrible and the process is taking a long time...Why not make things easier? just by using a good computer system 

[ChrisY1]

Xenophobia is tiresome here.....!

[proton]

1 minute ago, ChrisY1 said:

Xenophobia is tiresome here.....!

 

Nothing to do with it, anyone working without a permit, over staying, or other serious law breaking are, and should be deported.

[Tropicalevo]

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand is just tourist unfriendly, partly caused by outdated laws. There should be a revision of several laws just to make it matching with era we live in and not how it was 50-75 years back.. 

The amount of papers needed for a workpermit is terrible and the process is taking a long time...Why not make things easier? just by using a good computer system 

 

It is nothing to do with being tourist unfriendly.

Tourists do not need work permits.

 

The WP process is a form of protectionism though.

They do not want foreigners taking 'Thai' jobs.

Thailand never wants to be seen as needing outside help in any way, kind or form.

I ran a charity some years ago, we were helping to educate Khmer kids in the poorer provinces of Cambodia, but as I am based in Thailand, I wanted to set up the charity here.

Forget it said the lawyer.

Thailand does not need help from outside charities and you will not be able to register it here.

But we are working in Cambodia was my response. Not in Thailand.

That is not how the Thais will see it said the lawyer.

[Paul52]

1 hour ago, proton said:

 

Nothing to do with it, anyone working without a permit, over staying, or other serious law breaking are, and should be deported.

Absolute nonsense.  It was OTT and unnecessary.  Waste of time and resources (immigration and the courts).  Dumb stupidity.  Typical ill thought out response that you see here (a bit like your passive aggressive post).  A slap on the wrist and warned that any further reoccurrence would result in more severe action would have been fair and proportionate and more than sufficient 

[dpeti73]

8 minutes ago, Paul52 said:

Absolute nonsense.  It was OTT and unnecessary.  Waste of time and resources (immigration and the courts).  Dumb stupidity.  Typical ill thought out response that you see here (a bit like your passive aggressive post).  A slap on the wrist and warned that any further reoccurrence would result in more severe action would have been fair and proportionate and more than sufficient 

So you think it’s absolutely ok performing music for money without wp?

[harleyclarkey]

The emotional trauma and financial loss to these people, especially the musician, was totally out of proportion to this minor offence. 

[Briggsy]

No you know why Taylor Swift never plays Bangkok (or Pai).

[Tarteso]

They want the money that tourists leave behind, but they are incapable of doing the job that these tourists does, such as being a DJ, a musician, managing a music venue,  nice restaurants or different foods.

At mass and ringing the bells. Have one's cake and eat it.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, proton said:

 

Nothing to do with it, anyone working without a permit, over staying, or other serious law breaking are, and should be deported.

Correct,if working here even for one night, check your employer has a license to operate and you have all the legal documents to work..

Or just go play in another country.

[NoshowJones]

6 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand is just tourist unfriendly, partly caused by outdated laws. There should be a revision of several laws just to make it matching with era we live in and not how it was 50-75 years back.. 

The amount of papers needed for a workpermit is terrible and the process is taking a long time...Why not make things easier? just by using a good computer system 

"Why not make things easier? just by using a good computer system". A good computer system needs a bit of brainwork to use, not like writing on paper.

[naka dia]

I am very sad to read this. As an international touring artist I know how hard it is to make a work permit for sigle performances and sometimes I also have to travel to countries without the work permit. For guest performances it is just a very bad situation for the artist. Of course its different if you work as a musician for a longer period, playing several times and for the same host. But touring artists with guest performances should be able to perform their art, it benefits everybody because art is unique and not a "job" and performing art is not a crime. I have been welcomed to perform across 87 countries so far and I am very happy that something like this has never happened to me yet... lets hope it stays that way. By the way, Europe does it right, artists can perform as guest performers without work permit across Europe - because art performances are not seen as "work"

 

[NoshowJones]

17 minutes ago, dpeti73 said:

So you think it’s absolutely ok performing music for money without wp?

Yes!

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, proton said:

 

Nothing to do with it, anyone working without a permit, over staying, or other serious law breaking are, and should be deported.

 

   They are deported already 

[NORDO]

Get over it!

You are a guest in this country, you don't get to change the law or culture.  Find it offensive, then leave.

[dpeti73]

5 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

Yes!

So just do it and hopefully you get deported 

[kiwikeith]

6 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand is just tourist unfriendly, partly caused by outdated laws. There should be a revision of several laws just to make it matching with era we live in and not how it was 50-75 years back.. 

The amount of papers needed for a workpermit is terrible and the process is taking a long time...Why not make things easier? just by using a good computer system 

I have seen countless falung musicians jamming in Thailand for nothing , usually invited on stage by the Thai bands

There is a few around my town that regularly play for nothing, and with Thais, so this if a friendly cultural exchange not an offence , unless your expecting payment.

[harryviking]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

A heated controversy has emerged following the deportation of Brazilian musician, Matheus, after he was detained by Thai immigration authorities in Pai, Mae Hong Son province. The incident, which involved a minor work permit infraction, has provoked significant debate over the appropriateness of the measures employed.

 

Matheus’s partner, Yael, an Israeli tourist, responded swiftly, drawing media attention to what she perceives as excessive handling of the case. She recounted the ordeal in an impassioned email dated February 16, describing the distressing circumstances faced by Matheus and other musicians apprehended at a live performance in Jazz House restaurant on February 13. The detention has also disrupted Matheus’s scheduled tour in Japan.

 

Yael's plea articulated the difficult conditions under which Matheus and his fellow musicians were held, left without basic provisions and forced to sleep on the floor for two nights. The court hearing on February 15 resulted in a 5,000 baht fine for the performers, including Matheus. Nevertheless, their ordeal extended as they were subsequently moved to Mae Hong Son immigration detention, sparking further questions around the severity of the punishment.

The incident involved four individuals: Brian, an Irish national and Jazz House owner, and three musicians – Matheus, along with Israelis Mr. Yishay and Mr. Shay. While Brian was bailed out on 120,000 baht for operating without official business registration, the musicians faced varied fines for their role in the situation. Notably, Mr. Shay was fined 8,000 baht for working outside the scope of his permitted activities.

 

Matheus, who had been touring Thailand for three months, found his professional commitments disrupted as he was scheduled to perform in Japan from February 17. The events took a surprising turn with his deportation, a move that many view as heavy-handed relative to the offense.

 

This occurrence brings to light mounting tensions in Pai, where an increase in foreign workers has provoked calls for rigorous enforcement of work permits, echoing local apprehensions about job competition. Thai immigration authorities, responding to these concerns, have ramped up enforcement but face scrutiny from those who argue the approach lacks proportionality, reported Khaosod.

 

As the situation continues to unfold, it underscores the delicate balance between maintaining regulatory integrity and ensuring enforcement measures are just and fair, especially within a context as unique as Pai’s thriving musical and tourist scene. The case of Matheus and his fellow musicians stands as a poignant example of the complexities entwined in regulatory enforcement, cultural dynamics, and personal narratives within this picturesque part of Thailand.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

"proportionality" and "logic" I guess are two words unknown to the Tai language....🙄

[Formaleins]

Just who comes up with their pathetic slogans then translates it into English?  5 year olds could come up with something more appropriate than "Police For People" - WTF is it supposed to mean?

[NoDisplayName]

6 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand is just tourist unfriendly, partly caused by outdated laws. There should be a revision of several laws just to make it matching with era we live in and not how it was 50-75 years back.. 

The amount of papers needed for a workpermit is terrible and the process is taking a long time...Why not make things easier? just by using a good computer system 

 

Why would a tourist need a work permit?

[PomPolo]

It is common knowledge that Thailand have very strict laws on foreigners working with the the correct visas so can't really be a surprise, not much sympathy should have ensured everything was in order especially given everything happening in Pai at the moment.

[spidermike007]

This is simply a completely ridiculous abuse of power. 

 

There are a very limited number of homegrown jazz musicians in Thailand, and foreign musicians should be honored, celebrated and welcome with open arms. 

 

At what point are we going to finally see some adults in the room who have the power to make these decisions? 

[CFCol]

2 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

Xenophobia is tiresome here.....!

He had been touring witho9ut a work permit for three months? On what visa?  The law in Thailand is quite clear. Break it and what happens is down to you. Entitled Israelis up in arms? Deport the lot.

[Andytheburiramman]

He knows the rules, and if not he does now.  Too many farang here trying to bypass the laws.  If they don't like it then he and his girlfriend shouldn't be here.  Thai people I speak to say they are tired of ignorant / disrespectful farangs living here and want change to the visas limiting their stay.

[Nick Carter icp]

4 minutes ago, CFCol said:

He had been touring witho9ut a work permit for three months? On what visa?  The law in Thailand is quite clear. Break it and what happens is down to you. Entitled Israelis up in arms? Deport the lot.

 

   Who are the Israelis who are "Up in arms " ?

The deported guy is from Brazil 

[MalcolmB]

This current escalation was set off by the Israelis rampaging and vandalizing the Pai hospital. 
Thai businesses have put up signs banning Israelis from entering.

The police announced they were going to round up foreigners breaking the laws but this band stupidly thought they would continue despite the warnings.

 

The  police showed more tolerance to the Irishman than they did to the Israelis and to Matheus who has an Israeli partner. 
Local social media and mainstream media is quite opening is discussing how the locals are annoyed by the behavior of the Israelis, so no surprise they were targeted. 

I am pleased that the Thais are not painting all foreigners with the same brush for the behavior of a certain group and are focusing on the trouble makers and not dragging us all down with them. 

[MalcolmB]

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Who are the Israelis who are "Up in arms " ?

The deported guy is from Brazil 

His Israeli girlfriend.

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Matheus’s partner, Yael, an Israeli tourist, responded swiftly, drawing media attention to what she perceives as excessive handling of the case. She recounted the ordeal in an impassioned email dated February 16, describing the distressing circumstances faced by Matheus

 

[ikke1959]

34 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

I have seen countless falung musicians jamming in Thailand for nothing , usually invited on stage by the Thai bands

There is a few around my town that regularly play for nothing, and with Thais, so this if a friendly cultural exchange not an offence , unless your expecting payment.

Even for volunteer work you need a work permit. probably around your town people are not so quick offended as in Pai.. good to live in such an area. 

[Nick Carter icp]

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

His Israeli girlfriend.

 

   So  , an Israeli .

Its hardly "entitled" to be annoyed because your partner is being deported