A Ukrainian national was arrested at Phuket International Airport on 10 May 2025 after allegedly vandalising a rented condominium in Phuket’s Mueang district, causing an estimated 350,000 baht in damage.
The suspect, identified by police as Miss Anastasia, was detained by immigration authorities while attempting to depart Thailand. Her arrest followed two unanswered police summonses issued after the property manager, a 39-year-old Thai woman, filed a formal complaint on 29 April. The Wichit Police Station subsequently secured a court-approved warrant when the woman failed to appear.
According to initial police interviews, the woman admitted to damaging the property, citing frustration over a withheld security deposit. However, the property owner stated that Anastasia was not the individual named on the lease, which had been signed by a Russian national. Due to this contractual issue and standard terms concerning unpaid utility fees, the owner said the 32,000 baht deposit could not be refunded directly to Anastasia.
The condominium, located in the Wichit sub-district, was discovered in severe disrepair. Photos shared by the owner on social media showed graffiti on walls and ceilings, with crude drawings and obscenities including the word SWINDLE marked above the bed. Household items such as the bed, curtains, and pillows had been slashed, and electrical appliances were reportedly damaged.
Anastasia had resided at the unit from 15 April 2024 to 15 April 2025. She initially resisted leaving but later informed the property manager she had vacated the room early and left the keys in a trash bin. Upon entry with the help of a locksmith, the manager was confronted with the extent of the destruction.
The property owner indicated that all procedures were being followed in line with the lease agreement, including a 14-day period for processing deposit returns and a stipulation that only the signatory on the contract could receive a refund.
Miss Anastasia has been formally charged with property damage and remains in custody as legal proceedings are underway. Attending the property inspection were security staff and friends of the manager.
