On August 13, 2024, a 56-year-old Russian man, Dmitry Babaisev, was arrested by tourist police in Koh Phangan for overstaying his visa by 1,599 days. The arrest followed a series of complaints about Babaisev causing disturbances by soliciting food from local villagers and exhibiting suspicious behavior when confronted by police.
According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueakam, Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Assistance Division (TAT), a heightened focus has been placed on managing the behavior of foreign nationals, including those overstaying their visas or engaging in unauthorized activities. Babaisev, who entered Thailand on February 19, 2020, with a tourist visa valid until March 26, 2020, was found to be living in Koh Phangan under expired documentation. His actions had included wandering through the streets, asking for food, and reacting evasively when approached by the police.
Upon his arrest, Babaisev was brought to the Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings. The case highlights ongoing efforts by the TAT to address and prevent illegal activities among foreign nationals in tourist areas. Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueakam emphasized the importance of rigorous enforcement of visa regulations and the prompt resolution of similar cases to maintain order and ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.
