Koh Phangan, Thailand – A Lebanese businessman was arrested on October 13 after tourist police discovered he was operating an illegal vehicle rental service in front of a shop on Koh Phangan, authorities said.
Raid after complaint
Officers acted on a complaint about an unauthorised rental operation outside the “Key King” shop in Moo 1. Police said they observed the 46-year-old, identified in reports as Mr. Jon, renting a motorcycle to a foreign customer, refuelling the bike and carrying out a vehicle check before intervening.
When officers asked to see his papers, investigators found he was in Thailand on a TR-60 tourist visa and had no work permit. That, police said, established he was engaged in illegal commercial activity.
How the business operated
During questioning the suspect admitted he advertised and took bookings primarily via WhatsApp under the name “Jean”. He told officers he posed as representing the Key King shop and charged between 250 and 350 baht per day for motorcycle rentals, largely serving Israeli tourists, according to police.
The registered owner of the shop, Ms. Saichai, told officers she and the suspect had been in a relationship in the past and that, “out of pity, I allowed him to use the space in front of my shop.” She said she did not share in the profits.
Evidence seized and charges filed
Police confiscated 12 motorcycles, a minibus and the suspect’s mobile phone as evidence. The seized bikes carried licence plates from multiple southern provinces — Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Yala — which investigators said pointed to a well-organised, cross-regional operation.
The man was charged with working without a permit and operating a business without the necessary licence. He was taken to the Koh Phangan police station, where officials said he faces stiffer penalties this time, possibly including an entry ban.
Previously deported this year
A records check showed the suspect had already been arrested on April 20, 2024, for illegally working as a water deliveryman and subsequently deported. Police said he later returned to Thailand on a new tourist visa and resumed illegal work.
Officers noted unusual behaviour during his transport to the tourist police: he laughed, clapped derisively and threatened legal action, despite being a repeat offender.
Wider problem on tourist islands
Authorities described the case as illustrative of a recurring challenge on Thailand’s popular tourist islands: some foreigners are using tourist visas to run commercial enterprises. Officials said repeat deportations do not always prevent suspects from returning and continuing prohibited activities, and the seizure of vehicles from multiple provinces suggested a network beyond the single island.
The arrest underlined ongoing enforcement efforts by the tourist police but also raised questions about how to reduce repeat violations and protect regulated businesses and visitors on the islands.