Undercover operation reveals unlawful cosmetic facility on Koh Phangan island
**Illegal Russian-Owned Skin Clinic in Koh Phangan Closed Down**
A Russian-owned skin clinic, Laser Me, located in Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, has been shut down by authorities following reports of injuries to foreign customers. The clinic, which primarily catered to Russian clients, had a reported monthly turnover of at least 300,000 baht and attracted approximately 600 customers over the last six months, with an average of 3 to 4 customers per day.
The clinic, which was managed by a Thai woman named Saitharn Sinchaisri, operated without a medical license. Ms. Sinchaisri confirmed this during questioning. This lack of licensure raises serious concerns about the safety and legitimacy of the treatments provided at the clinic.
In addition to the injuries reported by a British and an Israeli customer, there have been further complaints from other foreigners who received treatments at the clinic. These complaints include threats from the clinic when customers sought responsibility for their injuries.
The clinic had a presence on Google, where it received both positive and negative reviews. However, the negative reviews highlighted the dangerous nature of the treatments offered, which aligns with the injuries reported to the authorities.
A photo of the price lists for skin-laser services offered at Laser Me was supplied. The services included removing melasma, hair, and tightening pores. Officers seized 12 laser machines during the raid on the clinic.
The investigation into the activities of Laser Me is ongoing, according to police. The specific details of a review mentioned earlier, found on Google, were not provided in the current context.
The raid on the clinic was initiated due to reports from foreign customers who suffered injuries after receiving treatments at the clinic. The owner of the clinic, a Russian individual, was not identified during the raid. Ms. Saitarn mentioned that she was given customer appointment details by a woman named Olesia.
The closure of Laser Me highlights the broader issues with unlicensed medical services targeting tourists in Thailand. Tourists are advised to exercise caution when seeking medical treatments abroad and to ensure that the clinic or service they are using is properly licensed and regulated.
- The unlicensed skin-care treatments provided at Laser Me, despite their profitability and attraction for health-and-wellness seekers, have been linked to injuries reported by foreign customers, raising questions about the legitimacy of such practices in the field of science.
- In the wake of the closure of Laser Me, it is advisable for those interested in skin-care services to prioritize legitimate and licensed clinics to ensure their health and safety, promoting a responsible approach to wellness tourism.
