SURAT THANI - A Russian man has been arrested and charged with working illegally and drug use after other tourists visiting Phangan island complained about his overt swaggering.
The charges were laid by tourist police following a search of the shop where 27-year-old Vladislav Klenov was working on Sunday night.
Vacationers on the island had complained to police about the danger posed by his extrovert behaviour. This included showing off photos of himself wearing a police tactical vest and holding a rifle, Pol Lt Col Vinit Boonchit said.
A search of the shop where he worked selling cannabis products found an air rifle, handcuffs, a police vest and a quantity of cocaine, police did not say how much, in a plastic bag.
Pol Lt Col Vinit said Mr Klenov was charged with working illegally and with use of an illicit drug.
Mr Klenov allegedly admitted to working at the shop in exchange for free accommodation. He said he received 17% of the money earned from selling cannabis products to purchasers, according to Pol Lt Col Vinit.
He would be liable to a fine of up to 20,000 baht and/or one year in prison if found guilty in the drug case.
Items seized by police at the shop where Vladislav Klenov was working. (Photo: Phangan Tourist Police)