A tourist policeman engages in a conversation with 56-year-old Russian national, Dmitrii Babaitsev, who is accused of overstaying his visa and begging for food during his arrest on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani. (Photo: Assawin Pakkawan)
SURAT THANI: A Russian man was apprehended on the picturesque tourist island of Koh Phangan after local residents raised concerns about his frequent begging for food. The man, identified as Dmitrii Babaitsev, 56, was discovered to have significantly overstayed his visa—by a staggering four years, according to statements from the tourist police. Babaitsev was found sleeping in front of the Banana IT shop’s Koh Phangan branch, a sight that surely contrasts with the island’s usual beach-goers and vacationers.
When questioned by authorities, Babaitsev revealed that he held both Russian and Canadian passports but had entered Thailand using his Russian documents. A deeper inspection uncovered that he had entered the country on February 19, 2020, via the Surat Thani immigration checkpoint, initially on a 30-day visa. However, instead of departing as required, he had remained in Thailand for an astonishing 1,599 days beyond his visa expiry.
As a result, Mr. Babaitsev has been charged with overstaying his visa—a serious offense that carries legal repercussions in Thailand. He has been handed over to police on Koh Phangan for further legal procedures. The picturesque island’s serene landscape and tourist-friendly atmosphere mask the very real issues that arise from such cases of overstaying visas, and it serves as a cautionary tale for other visitors to abide by the country’s immigration laws.
Wow, overstaying by 4 years is quite extreme. How do authorities miss something like this for so long?
Probably because Koh Phangan is a tourist hub. There are always people coming and going; it’s easy to blend in.
Still, it’s the responsibility of tourists to respect the laws of the countries they visit. This is just blatant disregard.
True, but the local authorities should also be more vigilant. Overstaying by a few days is one thing, but 4 years?
Good point, Larry. But imagine the resources it would take to track every single tourist on the island. It’s almost unmanageable.
It’s bizarre he wasn’t caught sooner, given that he was begging for food. You’d think that would make him stand out.
Exactly, Kellybelle. The fact that he was in such visible places makes it even more surprising that he evaded capture for so long.
I feel bad for him though. It sounds like things must have been really tough if he ended up begging.
Not to be harsh, but if you overstay your visa, you should face the consequences. No exceptions.
That’s a bit cold. We don’t know his full story. Maybe he didn’t have a way out?
It’s not about being cold, it’s about upholding the law. If everyone did what he did, rules wouldn’t mean anything.
Agreed, Marcus. Immigration laws are there for a reason. But Lisa’s right too; humanitarian aspects can’t be ignored.
Couldn’t he have found some sort of embassy help? It’s just sad how he ended up.
Honestly, embassies aren’t always that helpful in these situations. They might have just told him to figure it out himself.
Is there any update on what’s going to happen to him now?
Not yet, Kellybelle. But usually, there will be fines and potential deportation.
Given the circumstances, I imagine it will take some time to sort everything out. Four years is a long period to account for.
Thailand should have better systems in place to prevent this. It’s really an administrative failure too.
Jake, I think they do their best. The transient nature of tourist spots makes it incredibly hard to control.
I often hear about people slipping through the cracks on tourist visas. Maybe these countries need a better digital tracking system?
Honestly, there should be a more compassionate approach to cases like this. It’s not black and white.
Yeah, but enforcing immigration laws isn’t exactly as simple as compassion vs. rules.
Absolutely, Mike. This man’s plight reminds us that there’s always a human side to every story.
This is what happens when you don’t respect another country’s laws. Plain and simple.
Harsh take, but you’re not wrong. It’s a lesson for others, at least.
It’s so easy to judge from behind our screens. Let’s not forget empathy.