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Some of the Russians arrested last night in raids on Patong nightspots

Phuket Raiders Arrest 30 Russian Women in Patong Nightspots: Human Trafficking Probed

Monday, April 29, 2013
PHUKET: About 30 Russian women were arrested in raids on Soi Bangla nightlife establishments in Patong tonight when a district chief kept his promise.

Human trafficking is also under investigation, one of the leaders of the raids said tonight. It's the strongest action yet amid increasing concern about Russians moving into suspicious businesses on Phuket.

The raids on three nightspots were forecast last week in Phuketwan by the Director of Kathu District, Veera Kerdsirimongkol.

A group of time share touts were also reported to have been brought in for questioning, although we have yet to verify those arrests.

The Labor Department and several other government authorities joined in tonight's crackdown.

Those arrested were taken to Kathu district offices near Tungthong Police Station, on the Kathu side of Patong Hill, to be questioned and to have details of work permits, visas and other documents checked and verified.

Khun Veera told Phuketwan last week that he was anxious to make sure there were no illegal Russian businesses in Patong.

Agitation by residents and local businesses in two other Phuket regions, Karon and Bang Tao, has seen some Russian-run businesses close down.

Phuket tour guides protested earlier today at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City about Chinese-nationality guides usurping their jobs.

A spokesperson said the same issue applied to Russian and Korean tour groups.

Khun Veera has made his mark since taking on the job of Kathu district director, leading raids, setting up checkpoints, and making it plain that there will be zero tolerance of drug-taking and law-breaking.

Comments

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The Thais need to get real smart real fast with regards to the Russians. The money is pretty great for now, but the Russians will completely ruin the place in the long run. Because of the Russians, my Thai wife and I (her family and their friends too) no longer holiday in Phuket.

Posted by Jack on April 29, 2013 23:46

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@jack totally true,i have been going to patong for last 7 years,but wont be going this year because of the russians.They are spoiling that great holiday destination,it will soon be like the english causing havoc in aya napa,ibiza.Hope the thai police nip this in the bud before it gets out of control...

Posted by Darren walker on April 30, 2013 02:35

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thx veery!

how dare they come here with 'actor' work permits but selling their cheese.

Posted by mushinsky on April 30, 2013 06:10

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They should give a Cash bonus to Khun Veera for every Illegal business that he closes. Thailand needs people of integrity like Khun Veera.

It would be a shame if he is ever transferred out of Phuket with the rotation system like police use to curb corruption.
Thumbs up to Khun Veera

Posted by John on April 30, 2013 07:07

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Although its good to see the crackdown on illegal workers like last night, its the owners of these business's that need to be targeted not the employees. They are the ones who hire them and dont provide the necessary documentation for work permits and visas.

Employees are easy find but until they start arresting the owners this behaviour will continue.

Posted by Ciaran on April 30, 2013 07:47

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I think they will find that all these "Russian" women have work permits as do the pesky Russian businesses.
Who issued these work permits? Thai officialdom.
Another case of Thais moving the goal-posts when it suits them and when playing to the (Thai) gallery.

Posted by Sir Burr on April 30, 2013 07:48

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A check needs to be made on so called ''student visas'' also. I know of a few Russians & other nationalities possessing this visa and never attending classes, good trade for the Language schools!

Posted by Rawai resident on April 30, 2013 10:46

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Sorry but isn't prostitution a thai reserved job? And I wrong or prostitution isn't allowed anywhere in Thailand? What a hypocrisy never speak the real truth !!!

Posted by dave on April 30, 2013 11:24

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Pay attention to the post by Jack, his comment reflects my same thoughts.They have strong financial backing and need to get their capital out of Europe and to work. I suspect that the risk reward is just too great......

Posted by Dr. Hart on April 30, 2013 15:12

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Wasn't Alex Tours, the business that was harassed in Bang Tao actually Thai owned? Why on Earth would young, attractive western EU prostitutes work in Thailand? Far better money to be made just about anywhere else.

Posted by Media Watcher on May 1, 2013 11:10

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@Media Watcher
In the Sino-Portuguese street at Junk Ceylon they are plenty of Russians, Europeans and Blacks working as prostitutes (3 up to 10,000 Baht)....
In the case you agree they call a Russian man for payment before bed sports.
Easy to find them as they stay near flower pots in the middle of the restaurant street. 3 up to 10,000 baht.

Posted by Whistle-Blower on May 1, 2013 12:16

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Sir Burr, good point, these businesses will have the standard 51 % Thai shareholders, too.

Sorry Jack, I think the "Russians" are a corruption match made in heaven for Thailand.Both cultures are based in it, sure no one will miss the far- westerners any time soon.

Posted by E Blair on May 2, 2013 22:41

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The only thing Russians bring to Patong are problems , i have been watching this over the last 5 years

Posted by Harry on May 5, 2013 11:50

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I think close scrutiny would reveal that a lot of these 'Russian' women are in fact from former soviet states (Ukraine, Latvia, etc) & are no more Russian than we are. In fact, the term 'human trafficking' springs to mind, as there have been many cases reported around the world (Dubai & Singapore for example) of such women being ruthlessly coerced into the business & then equally ruthlessly being exploited. Perhaps their passports are 'genuine' but scrutiny of their birth certificates might reveal a very different story.

Posted by Logic on May 9, 2013 14:10

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Hello I went to Phuket 2 weeks ago I was amazed and shocked to find russian loud speakers in juncelon shopping centre belting spewing of words of rubbish embarrassing ! I go to Thailand to see thai people and culture not Russian idiots taking advantage of business please thai government do something to protect your business and reputation as a leader of good business and hospitality ,also I see Russian bar with ,disgusting trafficked woman out the front advertising for men to go upstairs ,really ?? how ignorant and stupid are Russians we go to Thailand to see thai woman not Russian ,go home leave Thailand to its people you have destroyed your own country don't attempt to destroy Thailand the locals and government will eventually eat you alive things have really changed since I was there last in 2010 I dare you to do it in Australia ,I am now a resident of NE THAILAND Thai people are so beautiful lets not take advantage and respect and love them cheers .

Posted by australian live in udon on May 25, 2013 21:48


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