An angry protest by taxi operators has forced the closure of a Russian-owned tourist business.
The protest against Alex Tour ended after a mob destroyed the signs of the business, and authorities closed it.
Taxi drivers alleged that Alex Tour is owned by Russians, and was supplying transportation to tourists from the Bang Tao area of Phuket - both illegal under Thai law if true.
Banners urged locals to reject Russian businesses, saying things such as "Alex Tour get out", "Russian business get out", and "Bang Tao Russian mafia free", according to a report in the Phuket News.
The street protest started early Monday afternoon, as the mob blocked the entrance of Alex Tour, and then smashed the sign of the tour agency.
On Jan 4, a lively meeting at the Karon Municipality office saw Thai business operators condemn businesses allegedly owned by Russians in the area which, they said, deprive Thais of their livelihoods.