Officials from Rawai Subdistrict Municipality apprehended the suspect yesterday (May 21) after receiving complaints from tourists who reported being asked to pay B100 each to use the stairs leading down from the cape.
According to municipal officers, the man claimed the area was public land under his control and told visitors they were required to pay a fee to access the lower viewpoint area.
Following the complaints, Rawai municipal officers investigated the site and conducted a stakeout at the entrance to the cape in Rawai, Mueang Phuket District. The suspect was arrested while allegedly collecting money from tourists.
The man, not named in official reports, was taken into custody for further legal proceedings following initial questioning.
Authorities also warned both Thai and foreign tourists to be cautious of suspicious individuals demanding unofficial payments at tourist attractions.
Officials urged visitors to immediately report any questionable activity to local authorities in order to prevent damage to Phuket’s tourism image.