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Thai Police Detain Russians on Koh Phangan in Poker Raid and Unlicensed Lodging Probe

Police say both cases remain under investigation with charges pending.

Overview

  • Six Russian nationals were arrested in a raid on an illegal poker game, where officers also found a Romanian, an Israeli, a German and a Briton at the table.
  • Authorities seized poker equipment and 134,950 Thai baht, and reports name a 36-year-old Russian called Anton as the alleged organizer.
  • In a separate action, police detained two Russians identified as Oleg, 51, and Ekaterina, 38, on suspicion of running an unlicensed lodging business from a villa.
  • Officers reported the villa lacked a hotel license and also detained a Myanmar woman who was working as a receptionist without a Thai work permit.
  • Investigators are reviewing the company’s registration for potential use of Thai nominee co-founders, with possible outcomes including fines, deportation, and—if nominee abuse is proven—fines of 100,000–1,000,000 baht and up to three years in prison.