Samui clinic said to be foreign gangster hangout

A team of soldiers, police and public health officials raided the Doctor Sam clinic in Bo Phut tesyertday evening (July 7) following a complaint that a gang of Israeli nationals who gathered there were demanding protection fees from foreigners running businesses on the tourist island.

Netanel Hadad, 34, an Israeli national, was arrested on the premises when officers went to search the venue. Medicines and other medical equipment were found inside and seized for examination.

Investigators also seized a .22-calibre pistol, 85 bullets, a bulletproof vest bearing the word “Police’’, three communication radios, two electrical prods, a volunteer police card from the Koh Phangan Police Station, a rescue volunteer card and other documents.

Authorities said that only Israeli nationals worked at the five-bed clinic, which did not employ any Thai staff. They are investigating whether Mr Hadad had any medical training.

Mr Hadad told police that he rented the building to operate the clinic to provide medical treatment to compatriots who were injured in road accidents or suffering from illnesses. Treatment was free of charge but the clinic received donations, he added.

He said he also did other volunteer work, helping injured tourists and assisting police as an interpreter.