Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Russian Electricians Arrested on Koh Samui

Featured Replies

  • Popular Post

Four Russian nationals have been arrested on Koh Samui for illegally working as electricians, in breach of Thai labour laws that reserve the occupation for Thai citizens. The arrests were carried out on 6 May 2026 by Surat Thani immigration police following a targeted surveillance operation. Authorities said the suspects were installing lighting and sound systems inside an entertainment venue at the time of the raid.

Get today's headlines by email image.png

Officers led by Pol Col Naruwat Phutthawiro and Pol Lt Col Winij Boonchit had tracked the group for several days after receiving intelligence about illegal foreign workers. The suspects reportedly brought tools and equipment into a building and worked behind locked doors to avoid detection. Police moved in after one individual stepped outside, allowing officers to enter and detain all four while they were carrying out electrical installations.

image.png

The suspects were identified as Konstantin, 43, Vladislav, 27, Nikolai, 38 and Maxim, 45, all Russian nationals. Checks revealed that two had overstayed their permission to stay, by more than three months, while the other two held work permits but were engaged in unauthorised electrical work. Authorities stated that working as an electrician is a protected occupation under Thai law and therefore prohibited to foreign workers.

All four admitted they were employed by a company based in Phuket and had been subcontracted by fellow Russians to carry out jobs on Koh Samui. Police have transferred the suspects to Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings. Immigration officials are also preparing to revoke their visas and deport them.

The case forms part of a broader enforcement policy directed by Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, aimed at cracking down on foreign nationals working illegally in Thailand. Officials say such actions are necessary to protect local jobs and maintain order in key tourist destinations.

Naewna reported that authorities will now expand the investigation to examine the Phuket-based company linked to the suspects. Officials are assessing whether it is operating as a nominee business, which would violate Thai ownership laws. Legal action will be pursued if further offences are identified.

image.png

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Join the discussion? image.png

Already a member? image.png

image.png Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 7 May 2026


View full article

  • Popular Post

Shocking news. I guess they just couldn't resist the current job market, but now they’re grounded.

no wonder why electrical installations are so poorly done in Thailand. 🤔

Same like cutting hair, it's just so meh here. 🤣

  • Popular Post

Wanting to install green grounding (earth) wires must have been a give away. Thailand electrical systems do not need to be grounded. Ask any Thai electrician.

Most Thai electricians who will come to your home are good with the black tape and not much else. I'm sure there are some pros but how to find them. Took me 25 years to convince one I need two ground rods.

I imported a Greek electrician myself (brother-in-law). Gave him a working vacation!

In the years in Thailand I've seen some shocking (no pun intended) electrical work bordering on complete incompetence but only Thais can do electrical work - another 1 of the stupid job laws especially when comes to electric & life or death - no earth or proper junctions just black tape!

15 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

In the years in Thailand I've seen some shocking (no pun intended) electrical work bordering on complete incompetence but only Thais can do electrical work - another 1 of the stupid job laws especially when comes to electric & life or death - no earth or proper junctions just black tape!

Agree and I have seen some awful electrical work here, done by Thai electricians, on many occasions using different coloured cables on the same cable run and joining them together with black tape and nothing else!

In my first house here I decided to change the main breaker switch for the aircon in the master bedroom so I asked my girlfriend to switch off the supply, which he did, but when I tested the aircon it was still live. So I went down to inspect what she had done and sure enough she had turned off the main breaker which should have made sure that nothing in the house was live – – – but the breaker next to my aircon was permanently live and it was only then that I discovered it was fed from a pole outside of my house, which could not be isolated.

A potential death trap for those not understanding how Thai wiring works. Loll!!

3 hours ago, Emdog said:

Wanting to install green grounding (earth) wires must have been a give away. Thailand electrical systems do not need to be grounded. Ask any Thai electrician.

Ah, that is because Thai electricity 'not same as farang electricity' lol

8 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Agree and I have seen some awful electrical work here, done by Thai electricians, on many occasions using different coloured cables on the same cable run and joining them together with black tape and nothing else!

In my first house here I decided to change the main breaker switch for the aircon in the master bedroom so I asked my girlfriend to switch off the supply, which he did, but when I tested the aircon it was still live. So I went down to inspect what she had done and sure enough she had turned off the main breaker which should have made sure that nothing in the house was live – – – but the breaker next to my aircon was permanently live and it was only then that I discovered it was fed from a pole outside of my house, which could not be isolated.

A potential death trap for those not understanding how Thai wiring works. Loll!!

Yep! I recall having to change an aircon at my ex's hotel when it was impossible to isolate the electricity supply. Wear my rubber-soled running shoes, stand on a rubber car mat and only use my right hand..... lol

Only have to look at the power lines all over the place. Incrredible no one gets electrocuted daily.

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.