Myanmar Man Arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for Running Illegal Phone Resale Operation

Picture courtesy of Matichon 

Police on Pha Ngan have arrested a 33-year-old Myanmar national for operating an illegal mobile phone repair and resale business that involved purchasing stolen or locked devices, unlocking them, and reselling them primarily to members of the local Myanmar community.

Authorities launched an investigation following reports that a foreign national was advertising mobile phone repair, iCloud unlocking, and data wiping services via Facebook in Moo 3, Koh Pha Ngan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province. The man, identified only as Mr Kyaw, was found operating a makeshift repair station where officers seized 49 mobile phones and various repair tools.

Tourist police, in coordination with local police and administrative officials, arrested the suspect on 7 May. He now faces three charges:

1. Operating a business without the proper permit as a foreign national,

2. Working outside the conditions of his legal work status, and

3. Drug use (Category 1 narcotics).

According to police, many tourists had reported phones stolen from beaches or while left unattended in bags, which prompted closer surveillance of suspicious individuals on the island. Investigators eventually identified Mr Kyaw as the key figure in receiving and reselling stolen phones.

In his statement to authorities, the suspect admitted he bought locked phones at low prices, then unlocked or wiped them before reselling. In some cases, he offered instalment payment plans while retaining the buyer’s iCloud or Gmail credentials, allowing him to remotely lock the phone if payments were missed. He also provided screen replacement services starting at 1,000 baht per device.

Mr Kyaw claimed the operation generated around 25,000 baht per month, with most of his customers being fellow Myanmar nationals living or working in the area.

Officials said further investigations are ongoing to determine whether others are involved in the theft and resale network.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.