The rock group Bi-2 reportedly faced deportation from Thailand after a detention episode on Phuket Island. This update comes from REN TV, citing information from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Phuket.
According to the Consulate General, a Phuket provincial court on January 26 found seven Bi-2 members guilty of performing work activities without the required permits and ordered them to pay fines. The court’s ruling indicates that, under Thai law, the artists will need to leave the country in the near term.
publicly known were seven Bi-2 team members detained soon after a performance at the Illuzion nightclub in Phuket. The lineup included Leva Bi-2, whose real name is Egor Bortnik and who has appeared in Russian discourse as a foreign agent, along with Shura Bi-2, real name Alexander Uman. They had performed under a tourist visa without securing work permits, which triggered the subsequent legal actions in Thailand.
The charges stated that the artists performed in the country without proper authorization to work and attempted to stage a concert while relying on a tourist visa. The January 26 decision mandated a fine of $95 for each of the seven detainees, a penalty aligned with Thai consequences for unauthorized employment by foreign nationals.
Analysts and travel experts have noted that Thai authorities emphasize regulatory compliance for foreign performers, and violations can lead to deportation alongside fines. The case highlights the need for touring artists to obtain the correct work visas and permits well in advance of public performances. Observers suggest penalties may vary based on specifics of each case, including visa status, duration of stay, and whether there was any intent to bypass local rules. The situation serves as a reminder for international artists to coordinate with local authorities and their home country consulates to prevent disruptions to performances and travel plans.
From the consular perspective, officials stress that Thai law maintains strict rules for foreign employment, and even a high-profile event can prompt swift legal action if permits are lacking. While some cases result in deportation after fines are paid, others may involve additional administrative steps, such as exit procedures and potential repatriation timelines. The Bi-2 incident illustrates the delicate balance foreign performers must navigate when touring Southeast Asia and the direct impact permit requirements have on a group’s itinerary. In this instance, the official channel indicated that the seven involved musicians would depart Thailand following the court’s decision, as authorities enforce the legal framework governing foreign work activity in the country.
Cited sources include the Russian Consulate in Phuket and coverage by REN TV, which described the event and its consequences for the band’s touring schedule. The unfolding developments underscore the role of international diplomacy and the need for accurate visa compliance in sustaining cross-border musical engagements.
In summary, Bi-2’s Phuket episode stemmed from performing without the necessary work permissions and relying on a tourist visa to present a concert. The court’s instruction to pay fines and the forthcoming deportation reflect Thailand’s enforcement of its immigration and labor regulations. The incident serves as a caution to touring artists about the importance of proper documentation and collaboration with consulates to ensure gigs proceed smoothly and legally.