“The arrest came after a complaint through Facebook and a letter saying there was a foreigner selling tour packages in the Kata area, and also driving people to Wang Talang Jewellery [on Chao Fah West Rd],” said Santi Pawai, the director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office.
The Facebook post was made by a Phuket green-plate taxi driver, Somchai Pruangkangnarn.
The complaint letter also contained a map showing the location of the tour shop.
“We inspected the Phuket-Phuket RU shop on Kata Rd, and caught him red-handed, selling a tour package to customer. So we immediately identified ourselves and asked his for tourism registration card and his work permit,” Mr Santi said.
The Georgian, Tengi Andguladze, 29, could not provide either document.
“He claimed an application had been made to register a company called Sunrise of Siam, and was waiting for approval,” Mr Santi added. Andguladze was charged with opening a tour business without a permit and working without a work permit. “He denied the charges,” Mr Santi said.