On May 8, 2025, a Russian national was arrested in Koh Phangan following a targeted undercover operation aimed at curbing foreign prostitution on the popular tourist island. The suspect, identified as Ms. Alina, 34, was apprehended after an extensive investigation based on intelligence reports about her online advertisements offering sexual services.
The operation, carried out by the Tourist Police, Koh Phangan Police Station, Immigration officials, and local authorities, culminated in a coordinated sting late in the evening. An undercover officer made contact with the suspect and arranged a meeting at a resort located in the Moo 4, Ban Tai sub-district.
At the scene, Ms. Alina was arrested with critical evidence, including 11,000 baht in marked bills that were used for the transaction, a condom, and a brown shoulder bag. During her interrogation, the woman admitted to engaging in prostitution due to its high-income potential, revealing that her busiest hours were between 1:00-5:00 AM. She claimed to earn several hundred thousand baht monthly through her activities.
Ms. Alina had been advertising her services under the name “Sofia” on the website “escortnews,” specifically targeting the Koh Phangan area. She charged clients 11,000 baht for a one-hour session.
The suspect now faces charges for “gathering in a place of prostitution for the benefit of prostitution of oneself or others,” as well as “advertising or accepting advertisements, persuading, or introducing solicitation for prostitution by any means.”
Authorities continue their crackdown on foreign prostitution in Koh Phangan as part of a larger effort to maintain the island’s reputation as a popular tourist destination.
