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Lebanese National Arrested Again for Illegal Rentals on Phangan

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Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Tourist police on Koh Phangan arrested a 46-year-old Lebanese national on 13 October 2025 for operating an illegal vehicle rental business without a work permit or business licence. Authorities seized 12 motorcycles and one passenger van during the operation, which formed part of a broader crackdown on foreign nationals working illegally in tourist areas, ordered by Police Lieutenant General Saky Sira Puek-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau.

 

The arrest followed complaints about an unlicensed rental operation in front of the “Key King” shop in Moo 1, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Surat Thani province. Officers observed the man, identified only as Mr. Jon, providing rental services to foreign tourists, including refuelling and motorcycle instruction, while accepting cash payments. When asked for documentation, he was found to hold only a TR-60 tourist visa, with no valid work permit.


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Mr. Jon admitted renting motorcycles via WhatsApp under the name “Jean,” charging 250–350 baht per day, primarily to Israeli tourists. Police questioned Ms. Saichai, the shop’s owner, who said she had divorced Mr. Jon years earlier but allowed him to use the shopfront out of sympathy. She denied receiving any profits and stated that he invested 200,000 baht in the business, displaying shop stickers to mislead authorities.

 

Evidence seized included 12 motorcycles, one passenger van and a mobile phone. Licence plates were from multiple southern provinces including Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Yala. A background check revealed Mr. Jon had previously been arrested on 20 April 2024 for illegally working as a water delivery driver and was subsequently deported, but he returned on a tourist visa to resume illegal operations.

 

During his arrest, Mr. Jon reportedly displayed aggressive behaviour, mocking officers, clapping his hands in contempt and threatening legal action. He has been charged with working without a work permit and operating a business without authorisation and was transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for prosecution. The case highlights challenges authorities face in preventing foreign nationals from exploiting tourist visas to conduct illegal businesses on resort islands.

 

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Key Takeaways

 

• A Lebanese man was arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally running a car and motorcycle rental service.

• He had previously been deported for similar offences but returned to Thailand on a tourist visa.

• Authorities seized 13 vehicles and charged him with working and operating a business without permission.

 

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image.png  Adapted by Asean Now From Naewna 2025-10-14

 

 

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  • Popular Post

Surely they should be asking how he is back in the country 😳

On 10/14/2025 at 3:19 AM, Georgealbert said:

A background check revealed Mr. Jon had previously been arrested on 20 April 2024 for illegally working as a water delivery driver and was subsequently deported, but he returned on a tourist visa to resume illegal operations

Oooop's

Cold breeze on that top OP photo, or is she scared of the BIB?

 

  • Popular Post

So much for being deported and apparently not black listed. Came right back to do it again. Thai immigration really needs to get there 💩 together. 

On 10/14/2025 at 4:19 AM, Georgealbert said:

charging 250–350 baht per day,

Oh!  Have I misread this?  Is it 250-350 per day for the bike or the woman riding it? 🤭

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