n a recent development on the tranquil shores of Koh Phangan Island in Thailand, two foreign yoga instructors have been apprehended for allegedly conducting courses without the requisite work permits, raising eyebrows in the local community and sending ripples through the island’s famed yoga scene.
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The incident unfolded when authorities, prompted by a complaint regarding a “Shaolin Experience” course advertised on Samma Karuna’s Facebook page, launched an investigation. On Friday, a team comprising tourist police and immigration officials descended upon a residence on the resort island to probe the matter.
Upon arrival, officials discovered a gathering of individuals engaging in Chinese-style exercises, under the tutelage of a man later identified as a 37-year-old German national. Alongside him was a 34-year-old Canadian woman, both allegedly involved in the unauthorized instruction of yoga.
#BangkokPost: A Polish man was arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally operating a tantra yoga school. #Thailand #Poland #yoga #school https://t.co/kteJ4e9bxA pic.twitter.com/Nmzsz2b5nY
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) March 24, 2024
Prompt action ensued, resulting in the arrest of the German national and his Canadian counterpart, as confirmed by police sources on Saturday. During subsequent interrogation, the male suspect reportedly confessed to his role as an instructor of the controversial Shaolin Experience course, which reportedly charged participants a substantial fee of 9,000 baht per individual.
The Samma Karuna school, renowned for its yoga and wellness programs catering primarily to a foreign clientele, found itself embroiled in the controversy. The unauthorized activities of the arrested individuals shed light on the complexities surrounding work permits and foreign employment regulations in Thailand.
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As investigations continue into the matter, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations, even within the holistic and spiritually-inclined domain of yoga instruction. The repercussions of the arrests resonate not only within the confines of Koh Phangan but also across the broader yoga community, sparking discussions on the boundaries of permissible practice and the obligations of foreign instructors operating in Thailand.
-Thailand News (TN)
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