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British Tantric Yoga Teacher Freed in Thailand After Illegal-Work Arrest

Police say social-media tip-offs about her 'sacred sexuality' classes led to a raid under Thailand's foreign work rules.

Overview

  • Maria Shchetinina, 40, was detained on November 4 on Koh Phangan while teaching at the Ethos Wholefood Cafe.
  • She paid fines and said in a social media post that the case is closed after her arrest for work outside the scope of her permit.
  • Tourist police cited the Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree and seized flyers, tickets, notes and a sign with her QR code.
  • Her documents listed a customer relations manager role while classes advertised at 400 baht were promoted under the name Maria Sky.
  • Authorities frame the action as part of wider checks on foreign-run services on the island, and the UK Foreign Office is in contact with Thai officials.