KOH PHANGAN — Tourist police on Koh Phangan Island responded to a report through the 1155 hotline about a foreign national working without a permit who was intoxicated and showing weapons including guns and knives to tourists at a hotel.
Officers investigated the reported location in Moo 4, Ban Tai Sub-district, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. At the time, Mr. Pascal, 56, was operating a motorcycle rental service.
When questioned by officers, he gave evasive answers, paced back and forth, and appeared restless in a manner resembling someone under the influence of narcotics. Police requested to search the reception area and discovered 3 BB guns, knives, sickles, knuckle dusters, short swords, and numerous throwing knives on shelves inside the room. They also found Category 1 narcotics (MDMA), Category 5 drugs (magic mushrooms) in plastic bags, and one electric cannabis vaporizer.
The French man claimed he had received the drugs from friends at a Full Moon Party long ago and had kept them in a drawer. He said he was staying in the reception area to provide motorcycle rental services and assist hotel customers on behalf of his wife, who owns the hotel but resides in Chiang Mai Province. He claimed the BB guns were part of his personal collection due to his hobby interests.
Police confiscated the BB guns and knives and transferred the case to Koh Phangan investigators. He faces charges including: illegal possession of Category 1 and Category 5 narcotics, working as a foreigner without a work permit, and concealing, selling, disposing of, buying, pawning, or possessing goods knowing they have not passed customs procedures and without authorization from customs officials.
Authorities are also asking any tourists who may have been threatened by Pascal to come forward and report to officials.
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