PHUKET — Immigration Police arrested a 67-year-old American citizen, Donald Ray (surname withheld), at a restaurant in Phuket’s Old Town district late Friday night. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for alleged violations of Thailand’s Foreign Business Act.
The arrest took place at Michelangelo’s Bar & Lounge Live Concert Music on Takuapa Road in Talad Yai subdistrict. Donald is accused of being a foreigner who allowed Thai nationals or juristic persons to operate businesses in sectors where Thai entities are not yet ready to compete with foreign operators, as specified in List 3 of the Foreign Business Act.
While authorities did not disclose the specific nature of the business violation, List 3 restrictions cover various sectors including accounting, legal services, engineering, architecture, and construction.
Police officers, accompanied by an interpreter, served the warrant and informed Donald of his rights and charges. He acknowledged his identity and confirmed he had not been previously arrested for this offense. The American man was subsequently transferred to Phuket City Police Station for further investigation.
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