Thread: Israeli Arrested for Allegedly Illegally Operating Motorcycle Rental Business

Authorities in Koh Pha Ngan have arrested a male Israeli national who was allegedly running an unauthorized motorcycle rental business, generating millions in annual revenue. The operation was uncovered during a police investigation led by senior officers from Provincial Police Region 8 and local law enforcement.


The Surat Thani Immigration told the Phuket Express that on May 12th, officers raided a rental house on Pha Ngan Island where they apprehended 33-year-old Mr. Fadeev, managing a motorcycle rental service. Police seized 15 motorcycles, helmets, spare keys, registration documents, and leasing contracts—evidence indicating large-scale operations with an estimated annual profit of approximately 3 million baht.

During questioning, Fadeev admitted to running the business, stating that he initially entered Thailand as a managing director of a different company headquartered in Phuket. While he held a work permit for that position, his involvement in the Koh Phangan-based rental enterprise violated Thai laws regarding foreign business ownership and employment restrictions.

Investigators revealed that the rental service operated via an online platform, catering primarily to international tourists. At the time of his arrest, the business had around 90 motorcycles available for rental, many acquired through online transactions with Thai and Israeli sellers.


Authorities charged Fadeev with operating a business without proper authorization and working beyond the legal scope of his employment permit. Additionally, officials are probing reports that a Thai woman permitted him to use her bank account for financial transactions related to the rental business.

Israeli Manager of Company in Phuket Arrested for Allegedly Illegally Operating Motorcycle Rental Business on Pha Ngan Island - The Phuket Express

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