Crime Israeli Businessman Busted for Illegal Bike Rentals on Koh Phangan

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

A foreign national has been nabbed for operating a clandestine motorcycle rental service on the idyllic Thai island of Koh Phangan.

 

Mr. Pavel, a 33-year-old Israeli businessman, was taken into custody following a police bust that uncovered his hefty rental empire worth 3 million baht (around $910,000) in profits through high rental fees charged to unknowing tourists. His base of operations was an unregistered residence in Moo 4, Koh Phangan sub-district.

 

The operation to put brakes on Pavel’s unlawful venture was conducted by a coalition of local law enforcement and administrative bodies. Investigations revealed that Pavel's business dealings were aided by a local Thai woman, whose bank account was used to process rental transactions.

 

Despite claiming his venture stemmed from his original real estate business, Pavel's illicit operation came to a screeching halt, leaving him in police custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

 

Authorities raided the premises, seizing 15 motorcycles, helmets, spare keys, and a trove of business documents, including 386 lease agreements.

 

Pavel's unpermitted venture involved the online rental of a fleet of 90 motorcycles, primarily to foreign visitors seeking to traverse the picturesque island shores. In a statement, he claimed his director role of a company in Ratsada, Phuket, where his work permit authorised him as a general manager.

 

Pavel admitted to acquiring motorcycles via social media, specifically from other Israelis and locals. The total inventory involved significant transactions, masking his operation’s illegal status under Thai law. Police have now charged him with conducting unlicensed business activities and working in areas beyond his authorised remit.

 

The matter remains under investigation at Koh Phangan Police Station, with pursuit measures directed at the Thai associate complicit in the financial operations.

 

The case highlights ongoing concerns of unauthorised foreign commercial activities in Thailand, where Pavel's venture stands as a cautionary tale against bypassing legal business frameworks.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-05-13

 

 

[Kinok Farang]

Some jealous muslim competitor obvious.

[thai006]

Deport and Blacklist easy 

[aBigSmile]

Going by the name, he's Russian with an Israeli nationality. Not that it matters. 

[aBigSmile]

1 minute ago, thai006 said:

Deport and Blacklist easy 

Too lenient. Hang, draw and quarter.

[ronster]

On your bike !! 👋👋👋

One of many on the islands that are owned by foreigners using Thai staff .

Good exchange rate he gets though for 3 million bht , $910,000 😀

[BMW Overlander]

15 minutes ago, Kinok Farang said:

Some jealous muslim competitor obvious.

Another pearl of wisdom. Seek help, mate....loser

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

The operation to put brakes on Pavel’s unlawful venture was conducted by a coalition of local law enforcement and administrative bodies. Investigations revealed that Pavel's business dealings were aided by a local Thai woman, whose bank account was used to process rental transactions.

No brake failure this time

[MalcolmB]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

high rental fees charged to unknowing tourists.

No surprises there.

[MalcolmB]

13 minutes ago, aBigSmile said:

Going by the name, he's Russian with an Israeli nationality. Not that it matters. 

He is probably Jewish.

[coolcarer]

6 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

He is probably Jewish.

What difference has his religion got to do with this?

[Andrew65]

20 minutes ago, aBigSmile said:

Going by the name, he's Russian with an Israeli nationality. Not that it matters. 

Up until a certain time people from the former Soviet Union made up the biggest numbers of inward migration to Israel.

[bbbbooboo]

hmmm … serious crime indeed , illegal bike rentals , hanging is too good for them ?

[Rickman66]

That's a big motza ball hanging over his head

[wombat]

small place to have that many bikes rented out...

[Mywayboy]

Enterprising Jewish boy trying to hussle a Schekel 😄 

[cjinchiangrai]

If you are going to publish multiple currencies, check the math. 3 million baht is $91,000, not $910,000.

[off road pat]

1 hour ago, Kinok Farang said:

Some jealous muslim competitor obvious.

Why would it be a Muslim ??

[norsurin]

Im happy he get busted.I hope out of Thailand asap.

[dr_lucas]

Illegal bike rental business...wow, hold on, let me load up my guns (and bring the entire island police for the bust) 

[MalcolmB]

5 minutes ago, off road pat said:

Why would it be a Muslim ??

Might have been a German for all we know.

[saintdomingo]

1 hour ago, BMW Overlander said:

Another pearl of wisdom. Seek help, mate....loser

 

 

 

Seek help, nice one, can't wait to use it myself.

[newbee2022]

Send him to Gaza. For contemplation. 👍

[macxxxx]

1 hour ago, aBigSmile said:

Going by the name, he's Russian with an Israeli nationality. Not that it matters. 

Same rubish, different country 

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, MalcolmB said:

He is probably Jewish.

 

   Will you be posting your sign ?

[ThailandGuy]

Send the man back to Israël  so he can start his business in Gaza with terrainbikes.  What are people thinking?  Always about the money.

 

[ChipButty]

That laws must apply to many other bike rental shops here in Rawai alone, you can see when we drive around and low season is up on us, 

[NativeBob]

Originally he was busted for tricky "business" and overcharging customers.

Yes, Pavel is hardly a Jewish name, but there are so many offers to get IS passport that nothing unusual meet East-European fella with such passport. He looks Polish. They run all sort of shady businesses here since 90s

[Nick Carter icp]

20 minutes ago, ThailandGuy said:

Send the man back to Israël  so he can start his business in Gaza with terrainbikes.  What are people thinking?  Always about the money.

 

 

   Send him to Israel, then send him to Gaza  and when he gets back to Gaza. send him back to Poland and when he get back to Poland , send him back to Israel

[chippendale]

2 hours ago, coolcarer said:

What difference has his religion got to do with this?

 

Avarice and shekels