A 20-year-old Ukrainian woman named Anastasiia was arrested at Phuket International Airport on May 10, 2025, for causing over 350,000 baht in damage to her rented condominium room in southern Thailand's Phuket province. The arrest was made by Wichit police station officers in collaboration with immigration officials as she attempted to leave the country.

On April 29, police received a report concerning extensive property damage to a condominium unit located on Chao Fa Tawan Tok Road in Tambon Wichit, Muang district. The damage included destroyed electrical appliances, furniture, torn curtains, damaged walls, and ceilings, with costs estimated at approximately 350,000 baht (USD 10,630).

Ms. Anastasiia admitted to causing the vandalism, reportedly out of frustration after her security deposit was not returned following her tenancy. The lease for the condo began on April 15, 2024, and was scheduled to end on the same date in 2025. However, the tenant initially refused to vacate and later left without notice, leaving the unit keys discarded in a rubbish bin.

The property owner, Praphaphan Meesomboon, discovered the destruction after an inspection following the tenant's departure. Images showed scattered pillow feathers, marker scribbles on walls and ceilings, torn mattresses, and broken appliances. Some markings included words like "swindlers" and the number "32,000," suggesting a dispute over a security deposit.

Police have proceeded with charges related to property damage. The case highlights the risks property owners face renting to foreign tourists without thorough vetting and underscores the necessity of clear contractual agreements and deposit management.

This incident also reflects Phuket’s challenge as a major tourist destination in Southern Thailand, balancing hospitality with enforcement of laws protecting local property owners.

For more context on property rental disputes and visitation challenges in Thailand, readers might explore cases of landlord-tenant conflicts in Phuket and the authorities' efforts in managing tourist-related property incidents.

This arrest serves as a cautionary tale for tourists visiting Thailand and property owners alike, emphasizing respect for rental agreements to avoid costly legal and financial repercussions.