TOURIST Police on Koh Phangan today (Apr. 9) arrested a former Israeli special forces officer on the charges of illegally working as a tour guide taking Israeli children to visit various tourist attractions at this popular island, MNG Online said.
Acting on a complaint to Tourist Police hotline 1155 a police team followed and observed the behaviour of Mr. David Gozlan, 45, as he took a group of children to visit Wang Sai waterfall at this island.
They then took him in for questioning during which he admitted that he has been taking Israeli children on a tour of this island’s tourist attractions.
He charged 800 per child a day and 6,000-8,000 baht per child a week.The tourist attractions are Wat Madeua Wan, Wang Sai waterfall, Haad Khom beach and Zoo Cafe with the itinerary depending on the customers.
He had opened a WhatsApp group under the name “Seeing Nature with Uncle” for parents and children to apply to join a tour.
Charged with running a tour business without permission and working as a tour guide without a permit Gozlan was taken to Phangan police station for legal proceedings.
Police found out that Gozlan often brought children to play at this waterfall with 30 coming there on Sunday Apr. 6, 19 on Monday Apr. 7 and 23 on yesterday Apr. 8. He paid a 20 baht entrance fee for each child and ordered lunch boxes for them to eat together.
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The former Israeli special forces officer being questioned by police on charges of illegally working as a tour guide in Thailand. Photos: MNG Online
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