KOH PHANGAN — Police in Surat Thani Province have arrested an Israeli businessman for illegally operating a motorcycle rental business on Koh Phangan island following complaints from tourists about excessive rental fees.
The operation was conducted jointly by Surat Thani Provincial Police, Tourist Police, Koh Phangan Police Station officers, and local administrative officials after an investigation revealed the business was run by a foreign national with the cooperation of a Thai woman who allowed him to use her bank account for business transactions.
At 11:30 a.m. on May 12, authorities arrested 33-year-old Mr. Pavel at his unregistered residence in Moo 4, Koh Phangan sub-district, which served as his rental operation headquarters. The Israeli national admitted to running the business, which generated approximately 3 million baht (roughly $91,000) in profits over the past year.
Pavel stated that the motorcycle rental service was an expansion of his real estate business. He claimed to be the managing director of a company based in Ratsada sub-district, Mueang district, Phuket province, where he holds a work permit as a general manager.
According to his statement, Pavel traveled to Koh Phangan to establish the motorcycle rental service, which operated through an online website. His fleet consisted of 90 motorcycles rented primarily to foreign tourists. At the time of arrest, 15 motorcycles remained at the premises. Pavel admitted to purchasing the motorcycles at discounted prices through Facebook pages from other Israelis and Thai nationals.
Authorities have charged Pavel with being a foreigner conducting business without permission and working beyond the scope of his authorized employment. Police seized 15 motorcycles, 15 helmets, 109 spare motorcycle keys, 51 motorcycle registration books, and 386 lease agreements as evidence.
The case has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station investigators, who are currently tracking down the Thai woman who allegedly allowed Pavel to use her bank account for his illegal business operations.
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