KOH PHANGAN – A Lebanese national has been apprehended for the second time for operating an unlicensed vehicle rental service on Koh Phangan, underscoring ongoing challenges with foreign nationals exploiting tourist visas to run illegal businesses on Thailand’s resort islands. The arrest on October 13 followed a targeted operation led by tourist police authorities.

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Acting on complaints about unauthorized rentals near the “Key King” shop in Koh Phangan Subdistrict, officers observed the suspect, identified as Mr. Jon, actively conducting business with foreign tourists. He was documented providing motorcycles, offering fueling services, and giving operating instructions while accepting cash payments. When authorities requested documentation, they discovered Mr. Jon held only a TR-60 tourist visa without a valid work permit or business license.

During interrogation, Mr. Jon admitted to operating under the name “Jean” through WhatsApp, charging 250-350 baht daily primarily to Israeli tourists. The investigation expanded to include Ms. Saichai, the shop owner and Mr. Jon’s former wife, who stated she permitted him to use the premises out of sympathy while denying any financial benefit from his operations. She revealed he had invested 200,000 baht in the business and used shop stickers to create an appearance of legitimacy.

Lebanese man arrested for illegally operating a car rental business. Seized 12 motorcycles and 1 car. Background check shows he was previously deported from Thailand but returned and committed the same offense.

​Oct 13, 2025 – Pol. Lt. Gen. Saky Sira Puek-um, Commissioner of the… pic.twitter.com/lF6T8yQQYn

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 13, 2025

Police confiscated twelve motorcycles and one passenger van with license plates registered across multiple southern provinces, along with a mobile phone containing evidence of his operations. Background verification revealed Mr. Jon’s previous arrest in April 2024 for working illegally as a water delivery driver, which resulted in his deportation. Authorities noted he subsequently returned on a tourist visa to resume unlawful activities.

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During his apprehension, Mr. Jon reportedly displayed confrontational behavior, including mocking officers and threatening legal action. He now faces charges of working without a permit and operating a business without authorization, and has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for prosecution. The case highlights persistent difficulties in preventing visa exploitation for commercial activities on popular tourist islands.

-Thailand News (TN)