Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

In a significant crackdown, tourist police raided the LASER ME clinic on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, following allegations of unlicensed cosmetic procedures primarily aimed at Russian tourists.

 

The investigation was launched after a Russian woman reported severe burns and scarring from a laser skin treatment at the clinic. When she sought compensation, the clinic staff allegedly threatened her and cut off communication, prompting her to turn to the authorities.

 

Uncovering the Operation

 

During the raid conducted on 16th July, police discovered Ms. Saitan, a 43-year-old Thai national, managing the clinic. She revealed that the business was owned by Ms. Olesia, a Russian investor residing outside Thailand.

 

The clinic offered a range of procedures including laser hair removal, facial laser treatments, oil massage, and Russian cupping therapy, all operating without the necessary medical facility licence.

 

Financial Details and Legal Action

 

Ms. Saitan, employed by Laser Me Co., Ltd., earned 25% of the clinic's monthly revenue as her salary. Serving an average of 3-4 clients daily, the clinic had a clientele of roughly 600 over six months, generating about 300,000 Thai Baht (approximately £7,000) per month. The majority of customers were foreign, especially Russian nationals.

 

Authorities have charged Ms. Saitan with running an unlicensed medical facility and practising medicine without proper authorisation. She has been taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

This case underscores the persistent problem of unlicensed medical tourism operations targeting foreigners in Thailand’s well-trodden tourist areas.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod English 2025-07-17

 

 

7 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The investigation was launched after a Russian woman reported severe burns and scarring from a laser skin treatment at the clinic. When she sought compensation, the clinic staff allegedly threatened her and cut off communication, prompting her to turn to the authorities.

 

 

Well that was never going to happen was it. 

Russians have been operating with impunity for a long time now. About time Thai authorities started doing their jobs correctly 

Yet another Russian doing what ever they want with no regard for the laws of this Kingdom 

14 minutes ago, Ironmike said:

Yet another Russian doing what ever they want with no regard for the laws of this Kingdom 

Just blending in with the locals.

Ordinary Thais will never be permitted to improve their lot. As soon as they attempt to make something for themselves, in come the thieving corrupt panhandling Hi So's - Ripped off from cradle to the grave. Ripped off with their rice prices, ripped off with their fruit prices, ripped off for selling vapes, ripped off for selling weed, ripped off for the sake of it. There is only one answer, and this applies to the UK too, and the solution isn't pleasant, but in the long term.......

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Just blending in with the locals.

Nope. Your suggestion that all Thais are part of organised crime is simply not true. Just a few dumb foreigners get ripped off by smarter Thais. Sounds like you might be one of them.

End of Thailand vacation.

Visa revoked and off she goes

12 hours ago, Magictoad said:

Nope. Your suggestion that all Thais are part of organised crime is simply not true. Just a few dumb foreigners get ripped off by smarter Thais. Sounds like you might be one of them.

17 hours ago, Formaleins said:

Ordinary Thais will never be permitted to improve their lot. As soon as they attempt to make something for themselves, in come the thieving corrupt panhandling Hi So's - Ripped off from cradle to the grave. Ripped off with their rice prices, ripped off with their fruit prices, ripped off for selling vapes, ripped off for selling weed, ripped off for the sake of it. There is only one answer, and this applies to the UK too, and the solution isn't pleasant, but in the long term.......

There are those born to rule and those born to serve, it is as it is. Elections, protests and revolution just changes the faces not the status quo which is why patriotism, beer and football are needed to pacify the plebs.

On 7/18/2025 at 1:17 PM, Ironmike said:

Yet another Russian doing what ever they want with no regard for the laws of this Kingdom 

Oh, you mean acting like Thais do.

On 7/18/2025 at 7:56 PM, newbee2022 said:

End of Thailand vacation.

Visa revoked and off she goes

Guess you didnt read the article then.