KO PHA-NGAN, THAILAND – A Russian couple’s tropical dream ended in arrest after police uncovered an unlicensed bungalow business and opened a probe into a suspected nominee company.
Raid in Sri Thanu uncovers booking hub
Police acted on an anonymous tip about an illegal car rental and checked a house in the village of Sri Thanu on 1 December, where they found Oleg (51) and Ekaterina (38). The man was sitting under the house while his wife worked on a laptop displaying a guest booking calendar. The couple immediately admitted running the “Moon Way Bungalow” and said bookings were handled via WhatsApp from their living room.
Seven cheap rooms, no hotel license
At the bungalow site, officers noted there was no hotel or accommodation license displayed at reception. The Russians rented out seven rooms at 500 Baht per night and believed their company registration certificate was sufficient authorization. As housekeeper and receptionist, 21-year-old La from Myanmar worked for a salary of 15,000 Baht a month.
Serious charges and nominee probe
The allegations were severe: Oleg was accused of operating a bungalow business without a license, working as manager without a work permit, and employing a foreign worker illegally. His wife Ekaterina and employee La faced similar charges. Police Colonel Apichat Chansamret announced that investigators would examine whether the company behind the venture was a nominee structure, with million-Baht transactions and suspicious money flows under review.
“Thailand is not a lawless space.”
said Apichat Chansamret, police colonel.
Authorities tighten checks on foreign operators
Officials stressed that this case was not isolated and that foreign nationals repeatedly tried to profit from illegal ventures in the tourism sector. Authorities on Ko Pha-ngan and other islands tightened inspections to curb shadow businesses. Those operating without required licenses and work permits faced heavy penalties, fines and possible deportation.
Court case looms and equipment seized
The Russian couple and their Myanmar employee were set to appear in court, where they could face high fines, potential prison sentences and removal from Thailand. Their seized laptops and booking records were to be used as evidence, turning the brief success of their seven budget rooms into a prolonged legal ordeal. For others considering similar schemes, officials framed the case as a clear warning that Thai law applies even in island paradises.