Germany Confirms Block Engine Sale to Thai Submarine Over China Links

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13 May 2025, 20:03

IMG_20200928_104716_2 — An image released by the Chinese authorities shows a Yuan-class submarine in operation.

BERLIN — Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed after discussions with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on May 13 that Germany has definitively stated it cannot sell submarine engines to Thailand due to European Union restrictions on arms exports to China.

“The German minister clearly stated that Germany confirms it cannot sell submarine engines to Thailand because the European Union has a ban on exporting weapons and military equipment to the People’s Republic of China,” Wechayachai explained following their meeting.

Thailand’s attempts to purchase German submarine engines have been stalled for several years, dating back to the military government of Prayut Chan-o-cha, which approved the first of three planned submarine purchases from China worth $393 million in 2017.

german thai defense1 — Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai meets German Federal Republic Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin on May 13, 2025.

The deal has faced significant hurdles since then. In 2020, Thailand postponed the purchase of the second and third submarines amid public criticism over such expensive military procurement during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. More critically, the deal has been complicated by China’s inability to obtain the specified German-made diesel engines due to EU arms embargo restrictions.

The engine issue became public in early 2022 when Thai opposition lawmakers revealed that submarine construction had stalled because China could not obtain engines from German manufacturer MTU.

german Motor U Boot — New submarine engine of MTU, Germany (Photo: www.mtu-solutions.com)

According to then-German Federal Military Attaché to Thailand Philipp Doert, Chinese authorities had not consulted with Germany before including MTU engines in their submarine specifications, which was discovered only after the contract between Thailand and China had already been signed.

During their meeting, Wechayachai and Pistorius discussed other matters as well. The Thai side praised Germany for hosting the upcoming 6th United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting (UNPKM 2025) and congratulated Germany on forming its new government under Friedrich Merz, expressing satisfaction that Pistorius maintained his position as Defense Minister, which reflects stability in defense policy.

Both sides reaffirmed the strong relationship between Thailand and Germany, which has spanned 163 years with continuous cooperation in various fields. Germany remains Thailand’s largest trading partner in the European Union, while military cooperation between the two countries continues to develop positively, covering exchange visits, specialized discussions, educational support, and military procurement.

german thai defense2 — Bilateral discussions between Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and German Federal Republic Defense Minister Boris Pistorius held alongside the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin on May 13, 2025.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the success of the Bilateral Annual Cooperation Programme Talks and the 7th Politico-Military Staff Talks. Thailand thanked Germany for supporting Thai military personnel studying in Germany, which plays an important role in developing the capabilities and professionalism of Thai forces.

Thailand also expressed interest in seeking cooperation with Germany to develop military capabilities, particularly in cyber and AI technologies, which would be beneficial for modernizing its armed forces.

Thai Defense Minister has requested that Germany consider the possibility of including Thailand in its defense industry supply chain and invited Germany to participate in the Defense & Security 2025 event during November 10-13 in Bangkok.

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Bangkok Officials End Search Operation at the Skyscraper that Collapsed Following an Earthquake

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Associated Press

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13 May 2025, 18:56

Thailand Building Collapse — FILE- Rescuers search for victims at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a strong earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, early Saturday, March 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn, File)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities on Tuesday officially ended the search operation at the building under construction in the capital, Bangkok, that collapsed following an earthquake that killed dozens over a month ago.

The 7.7 magnitude quake on March 28 centered in Myanmar, more than 800 miles (1,200 kilometers) away, killed at least 96 people in Bangkok, mostly at the collapsed site. More than 3,000 were killed in Myanmar.

Eighty-nine bodies have been retrieved from the rubble while seven people remain unaccounted for at the site, officials said. They said they would continue to test hundreds of pieces of human remains to identify those still missing.

The collapse sparked questions about the enforcement of construction safety and corruption. The high-rise building, meant to be the new office of the State Audit Office, was the only building that suffered a total collapse that day.

The police on Tuesday said they are still investigating and will continue to collect evidence from the collapse site until the end of this month.

Authorities are probing several companies and individuals for any wrongdoing in relation to the collapse, including the state-run Chinese contractor, China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group. The investigation has led to the arrest of its Chinese executive in Thailand, identified as Zhang, and three Thai shareholders on suspicion of operating the business through the use of nominees.

Foreigners can operate a business in Thailand, but it must be a joint venture with a Thai partner, and they cannot own more than 49% to protect local competitiveness.

Another Thai-Chinese company, Xin Ke Yuan Steel, also came under scrutiny over the quality of the steel rods provided for the building. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan said two types of steel rods found at the collapse site did not pass safety standards and that Xin Ke Yuan supplied both. The company has denied any wrongdoing.

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Thailand Equestrian Federation Expresses Gratitude to PTT Group for Their Support

By

MC Marketing

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13 May 2025, 17:50

In 2024, the Thai Government established a campaign known as “One Sports, One State Enterprise” to advocate progress and growth in Thai sport in various sectors. Upon this, both public and private sectors joined in to support the sport industry within Thailand in order to uplift the standard of the Thai sport industry and development for the future of Thai sports. PTT Group, one of the private sectors, joined in with the campaign to support various sports including Equestrian. Thailand Equestrian Federation under the leadership of Dr. Harald Link, TEF’s president, is more than delighted to express our deepest gratitude towards PTT Group, for supporting the equestrian sport in Thailand.

On May 8th, 2025 TEF’s Secretary General, Khun Nara Ketusingha along with TEF team members visited PTT Group headquarters as a representative of Dr. Harald Link to commemorate PTT Group with gifts and photographs in honor for their continuous support. During this occasion, our Secretary General met with Khun Meena Supavivat (Executive Vice President, Corporate Reputation and Social Responsibility) and Khun Witchuda Keawwichien (Manager, Corporate Communication and Branding Department) along with PTT Group’s team members to thank PTT Group for their sponsorship and outstanding commitment to developing the future of the equestrian sport.

French Man Stabbed Outside Phuket Club; British Suspects Escape

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Khaosod English

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13 May 2025, 15:27

french stab phuket1 — Rescue workers provide first aid to a French man who was stabbed in front of a nightclub in Cherngtalay, Thalang district, Phuket on May 11, 2025.

PHUKET — A violent assault between foreign tourists outside a nightclub in Phuket has left a French national seriously injured. The victim, identified as Mr. Nubel, was stabbed multiple times, while three British suspects, have already fled Thailand.

The incident occurred at 4:00 a.m. on May 11 outside an entertainment venue in Cherngtalay, Thalang district, Phuket, but only came to light two days later. Cherngtalay Police initially searched for one suspect believed to remain in Thailand, but later found that there are three suspects and they had already left Thailand.

Mr. Nubel continues to receive treatment at a hospital after suffering three stab wounds to his left waist and back. Emergency responders from the Cherngtalay Subdistrict Administration Organization provided first aid before transporting him to Thalang Hospital.

three british suspects2 — CCTV footage from inside the nightclub in Cherngtalay, Thalang district, Phuket shows three suspects involved in the assault and stabbing of a French man on May 11, 2025.

Investigators from Cherngtalay Police Station examined the crime scene, took photographs, and interviewed witnesses. According to reports, the victim and the perpetrators had been involved in a fistfight inside the bar before moving outside, where approximately three English-speaking foreign men attacked the victim. One of the assailants drew a knife and stabbed the victim before all suspects fled in a gray Mazda 2.

Police recovered a black iPhone at the scene, believed to belong to one of the perpetrators. Investigation of the SIM card revealed the phone belonged to Mr. Emilio, a British national, whose face matched witness descriptions. Immigration records confirm he departed Thailand to Bali, Indonesia, on May 11 at approximately 6:49 p.m.

Later, when officers conducted a more detailed investigation, they found that the person suspected of stabbing the French man was Mr. Rory, a 34-year-old British national. He fled on the same flight as Emilio, accompanied by Mr. Rayon, a 28-year-old British national who was also present during the incident.

Officials are now gathering evidence to request court approval for arrest warrants for all three suspects.

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CKPower Posts Q1/2025 Net Profit Turnaround Despite Dry Season

By

MC Marketing

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13 May 2025, 14:52

The results reflect strong operational performance, with continued momentum anticipated in Q2 supported by favourable seasonal factors

Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited or CKPower (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, announced the Q1/2025 operating results for the Company and its subsidiaries with CKPower reporting a Baht 991 million in EBITDA including Share of Profits from investments in Joint Ventures and Associates (EBITDA + Share of Profits), an increase of 139% year-over-year, and a Core Net Profit of Baht 63 million, which marked a turnaround of Baht 305 million compared to the operating loss of Baht 242 million in the same period last year.

The improved performance in Q1/2025 was primarily attributed to the strong operational results of the Company’s Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant and Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant. Revenue from electricity sales at Nam Ngum 2 rose by 4% driven by higher reservoir water level at the beginning of 2025 compared to the previous year, which enabled the plant to declare 7% greater electricity availability. Additionally, the Share of Loss from investments in Joint Ventures and Associates significantly decreased by Baht 563 million to just Baht 7 million, representing an improvement of 99% from the same period last year. This was mainly due to a 41% rise in water inflow at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant, which resulted in a 34% year-over-year increase in its electricity sales volume.

“The Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant saw approximately 3% year-over-year increase in electricity declaration for the January – May 2025 with the reservoir water level at the end of Q1/2025 at 363 meters above mean sea level, higher than at the same period last year. The water inflow to the Nam Ngum 2 and Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant in the first half of the year are projected to be near average with the flow outlook subject to change, pending clarity on expected inflows between June and July. Regarding the Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Power Project, construction progress reached 48% completion as of the end of March 2025, remaining on schedule. Meanwhile, the initial phase of three solar projects with a total installed capacity of 7.0 MW to supply electricity to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), was 86% completed as of the end of March 2025, also on schedule. The first of these solar projects commenced commercial operation in late December 2024, with the remaining projects expected to reach completion within Q2/2025,” added Mr. Thanawat.

CKPower also maintains a strong financial position. As of March 31, 2025, the Company maintained a Liquidity Ratio of 1.72, with total liabilities decreasing by 3% compared to the end of 2024.The Net Interest-bearing Debt to Total Shareholders’ Equity Ratio stood at a low level of 0.53 times. In March 2025, TRIS Rating has recently upgraded the credit rating for all CKPower’s debentures to ‘A-’ with a ‘stable’ outlook, aligning with the corporate credit rating. This upgrade reflects a strengthened capital structure supported by effective debt management, the gradual reduction of debt at the subsidiary level, and the Company’s ability to maintain strong debt servicing capacity. Furthermore, the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved a dividend payment of THB 0.085 per share based on the 2024 performance, amounting to a total payout of up to THB 691 million, scheduled for May 23, 2025.

“Looking ahead, CKPower is committed to expanding its renewable energy portfolio, with a focus on both hydro and solar power, while also actively exploring new green finance opportunities through the sale of renewable energy certificates (RECs). In 2024, CKPower Group’s renewable energy facilities supplied over 8.8 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity to Thailand, accounting for approximately 16% of the country’s total renewable energy consumption. Last year, our operations contributed to the avoidance of 4.4 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) greenhouse gas emissions. These achievements underscore CKPower’s tangible and measurable progress toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while playing a key role in supporting Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon and sustainable future.” concluded Mr. Thanawat.

Myanmar Man Arrested in Bangkok After Killing Wife’s Employer

By

Khaosod English

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12 May 2025, 23:47

sai harn2 — Police arrest 23-year-old Myanmar suspect who murdered a 70-year-old fitness business owner, his wife's employer, at a residence in Soi On Nut 65, Bangkok, on May 12, 2025.

BANGKOK — A 23-year-old Myanmar national who threatened to kill his pregnant wife but instead fatally shot her elderly employer has been arrested after a three-day manhunt in Bangkok.

Sai Harn was apprehended in Soi On Nut 65, Watthana district, at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, police officials confirmed. Authorities had been tracking him since the incident occurred and had offered a 20,000 baht reward for information leading to his capture.

The court issued an arrest warrant on May 10, the same day Sai Harn allegedly killed 70-year-old Yuttharot Suwansumet, the owner of a fitness business in Bang Khae area.

According to police reports, prior to the incident, Sai Harn had called and threatened his 18-year-old pregnant wife, Ms. Pong, saying he would find her at her employer’s home.

sai harn1 — Police track the Myanmar suspect and offer a 20,000 baht reward for information leading to his capture.

Ms. Pong, who is five months pregnant, was reportedly terrified due to previous abuse from her husband and informed her employer about the threats. When Sai Harn arrived and climbed into the property, Yuttharot confronted him with a .38 caliber handgun, insisting that he would not allow him to see Ms. Pong. A struggle ensued over the weapon, resulting in a fatal shot to the elderly Thai man.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s gun in a gray-black Honda CR-V belonging to the household. Relatives only discovered what had happened more than an hour later, giving the Myanmar national time to escape.

During the investigation, Ms. Pong told media that her husband was angry because she had previously promised to help him secure employment with her employer. She works as a caretaker for Yuttharot’s elderly mother. However, she had honestly told Yuttharot about her husband’s alcohol problems and violent behavior when drunk, leading to his rejection for employment.

“I want to apologize to my employer’s family for this tragedy,” said the Myanmar woman, whose troubles are compounding as police discovered she entered Thailand illegally and will also face legal proceedings.

sai harn4 — Ms. Pong, the Myanmar national, gives an interview to the media at Phetkasem Police Station on May 11, 2025.

Police tracked the suspect through CCTV footage and were alerted when a good Samaritan reported finding the stolen vehicle abandoned on outbound Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in front of the Provincial Police Region 1 apartments in Chatuchak district. The vehicle showed signs of multiple collisions, and witnesses reported seeing the driver board a train toward Rangsit.

Following the lead, police apprehended Sai Harn and took him to Phetkasem Police Station for questioning.

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Thai Real Estate Sector Proposes Windfall Tax on Infrastructure-Adjacent Land

By

Khaosod English

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12 May 2025, 19:11

hispeed korat — High-Speed Rail Project (Bangkok-Nong Khai), Phase 1: Bangkok-Korat

BANGKOK — The real estate sector on Monday advised the government to expedite mega-project investments to stimulate the economy and collect ‘windfall tax’ to increase revenue.

Sunthorn Staporn, President of the Housing Business Association, stated that he would like the government to revise its economic stimulus plan to align with the current situation and to consider long-term economic restructuring.

He suggested shifting the allocation of funds from cash handouts, which have a limited impact on the economic system, to other projects. For instance, in the short term, the government could implement a co-payment scheme and introduce measures to assist SMEs affected by cheap foreign goods, such as providing soft loans and accelerating investments in large infrastructure projects that are still under construction, such as double-track railways and the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed train, to promote economic expansion into other provinces.

Sunthorn further stated that, in addition to the government’s plan to restructure tax collection to increase revenue, he proposed that the government consider collecting windfall taxes.

This involves levying taxes on land located along the routes of government-invested infrastructure projects, such as electric trains, double-track railways, expressways, and airports, which have increased the value of the land in those areas.

This would serve as an additional source of revenue alongside value-added tax and other taxes. He also urged the government to expedite the enactment of the Property Rights Act and extend the lease period from 30 years to a maximum of 60 years to address the nominee issue in the real estate business.

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Thailand Improves Protection for International Air Passengers

By

Khaosod English

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12 May 2025, 17:40

aot inter1 — Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited

BANGKOK — The Civil Aviation Board (CAB), chaired by Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has issued CAB Regulation No. 101 on Measures to Protect the Rights of Passengers on Scheduled Domestic and International Flights. This regulation will come into force on May 20, 2025.

Strengthening Passenger Rights Protection

The new regulation focuses on strengthening the rights of passengers on international flights affected by delays or cancellations without prior notice, especially if the passengers have already arrived at the airport.

In the event of delays to international flights, the regulation obliges airlines to take the following measures:

For delays exceeding 2 hours: Airlines must provide food and beverages or vouchers to purchase them, as well as communication devices, free of charge.
For delays exceeding 5 hours: In addition to the above, airlines must compensate passengers with 1,500 baht in cash or offer alternative compensation of equivalent value, such as travel credits, vouchers, or mileage points, within 14 days. Airlines must also provide accommodation and transportation if an overnight stay is necessary. If passengers no longer wish to continue their journey, airlines must offer immediate options for ticket refunds or suitable alternatives.

For delays exceeding 10 hours: Besides all previously mentioned measures, airlines must immediately offer passengers the choice between:
1. Receiving cash compensation within 14 days (2,000 baht for flights up to 1,500 km, 3,500 baht for flights between 1,500–3,500 km, and 4,500 baht for flights over 3,500 km), or
2. Receiving alternative compensation of equal or greater value (travel credits, vouchers, mileage points, etc.) within 14 days, along with accommodation and transportation if an overnight stay is required. If passengers choose not to continue traveling, airlines must offer options for a refund, alternative flights, or other suitable transportation arrangements.

AP24201546609311 — Flight boards show delayed or canceled flights (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher)

Compensation Details for Passengers

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has declared that if international flights are canceled or boarding is denied, airlines must compensate passengers in a similar way to delays of more than 10 hours. The exceptions to this rule are cancelations that have been announced at least seven days in advance, cancelations with alternative flights that guarantee arrival within three hours of the original flight schedule, or cancellations due to force majeure.

For domestic flights, the new regulation increases compensation for delays over 5 hours from 600 baht to 1,200 baht and for flight cancellations from 1,200 baht to 1,500 baht. Airlines can also offer alternative forms of compensation. However, no compensation is required for cancellations caused by force majeure.

Protection for Passengers During Tarmac Delays

The new regulation also provides protection for passengers in the event of delays on the tarmac (delays on board the aircraft). Airlines must ensure adequate ventilation, temperature control, access to toilets and the availability of medical care. In the event of a delay of more than 3 hours without a scheduled departure, airlines must allow passengers to disembark unless this is prevented for safety or air traffic control reasons.

CAAT will continue to educate airlines and passengers on the new regulations to ensure effective compliance and maximize the benefits of these safeguards.

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US and China Agree to Pause Sky-High Tariffs for 90 days

By

Associated Press

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12 May 2025, 16:50

Switzerland US China Tariffs — U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, left, and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent take part in a press conference after two days of closed-door discussions on trade between the United States and China, in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, May 12, 2025. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

GENEVA (AP) — U.S. and Chinese officials said Monday they had reached a deal to roll back most of their recent tariffs and call a 90-day truce in their trade war for more talks on resolving their trade disputes.

Stock markets rose sharply as the globe’s two major economic powers took a step back from a clash that has unsettled the global economy.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the U.S. agreed to drop its 145% tariff rate on Chinese goods by 115 percentage points to 30%, while China agreed to lower its rate on U.S. goods by the same amount to 10%.

Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the tariff reductions at a news conference in Geneva.

The two officials struck a positive tone as they said the two sides had set up consultations to continue discussing their trade issues.

Bessent said at the news briefing after two days of talks that the high tariff levels would have amounted to a complete blockage of each sides goods, an outcome neither side wants.

AP25132284996102 — U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, left, and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent take part in a press conference after two days of closed-door discussions on trade between the United States and China, in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, May 12, 2025. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

“The consensus from both delegations this weekend is neither side wants a decoupling,” Bessent said. “And what had occurred with these very high tariff … was an embargo, the equivalent of an embargo. And neither side wants that. We do want trade. We want more balanced trade. And I think that both sides are committed to achieving that.”

Trump last month raised U.S. tariffs on China to a combined 145% and China retaliated by hitting American imports with a 125% levy. Tariffs that high essentially amount to the two countries boycotting each other’s products, disrupting trade that last year topped $660 billion.

The announcement by the U.S. and China sent shares surging, with U.S. futures jumping more than 2%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index surged nearly 3% and benchmarks in Germany and France were both up 0.7%

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on countries worldwide, but its fight with China has been the most intense. Trump’s import taxes on goods from China include a 20% charge meant to pressure Beijing into doing more to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the United States.

The remaining 125% involve a dispute dating back to Trump’s first term and comes atop tariffs he levied on China then, which means the total tariffs on some Chinese goods can exceed 145%.

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Israeli Man Caught Running Illegal Motorcycle Rental on Koh Phangan

By

Khaosod English

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12 May 2025, 16:19

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.

Phangan bike2 — arrest an Israeli businessman for illegally operating a motorcycle rental business on Koh Phangan island and seize 15 motorcycles and 109 spare motorcycle keys, on May 12, 2025.

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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