Crime Crackdown on Koh Phangan: Foreigners Detained for Overstaying Visas

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Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

In a recent incident on Koh Phangan, Thai tourist police apprehended two foreign nationals for illegal overstays.

 

The first, Schalk Jacobus Botha, a 51-year-old South African, faced charges for overstaying his visa by an astonishing 1,255 days. The second individual, 30-year-old Zaw Ni Tun from Myanmar, overstayed by 510 days.

 

On 9th July 2025, local police received complaints about a foreign man who was causing disturbances near Ban Tai. The individual, using a leg injury as an excuse, allegedly harassed and extorted money from tourists, sometimes resorting to grabbing bags. He was reportedly intoxicated and threatening.

 

Authorities swiftly acted upon the reports, apprehending Mr. Botha. Investigation revealed that his visa had expired on 29th January 2022.

 

Despite multiple overstays in the past, which he managed to resolve by paying fines, Mr. Botha admitted he lacked the funds to renew his visa this time.

 

He was subsequently charged with “being a foreigner in the kingdom with an expired permit” and taken to Koh Phangan police station to face the law.

 

In a separate encounter, police noticed suspicious behaviour from Mr. Zaw Ni Tun, who was seen shirtless and attempting to evade officers.

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Once detained, he admitted his visa had expired and confessed to living on Koh Phangan without proper documentation for 510 days. With no employment or income, he claimed he couldn't afford to update his papers.

 

The men were charged with overstaying their visas, highlighting ongoing challenges for foreigners living in Thailand without appropriate documentation.

 

The police action underscores the importance of adhering to immigration laws and serves as a stern message to visitors about the consequences of overstaying visas. Cases like these put a spotlight on the necessity for stringent checks and timely renewals to prevent illegal residency.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2025-07-10