The call for cooperation was reiterated today (Nov 3) as Phuket Immigration reported another inspection of a tour business run by a Russian national that targeted Russian tourists.
Phuket Tourist Police and Phuket Immigration Officers visited Kata on Nov 2 to investigate a complaint about a foreign businessperson selling tours at a counter near Karon Municipality and Phuket Kata Resotel.
According to the complaint, the foreign national was conducting sales at Ivan Durian Tour counter, while the company’s Thai staff were merely present but not directly involved in the operation.
For decades, this practice – locally known as the “sitting guide” – has been used by foreign tour guides, who balance between being legitimate translators assisting Thai guides and illegally working as guides themselves.
Upon officers’ arrival at the scene, only the Thai staff of Ivan Durian Tour Co. Ltd was present at the counter. Later, a Russian man identified in the report as Ivan Pigo arrived at the counter.
According to Phuket Immigration’s report, Mr Pigo provided a valid work permit and a passport with a relevant visa. He also had his notification of residence (TM.30) properly completed. The company license, issued in the name of Ivan Durian Tour Co. Ltd, was also legitimate and allowed for the sale of tours.
With no violations found, Mr Pigo was reminded of the necessity to adhere to all applicable visa-related and work-related rules. The officers then took several photos together with the Russian man and his Thai female staff before leaving.
The report did not mention Mr Pigo’s license to rent out motorbikes or sell sim-cards, as advertised at the Ivan Durian Tour counter in Kata. Nothing has been said about the overall number of Thai personnel at Ivan Durian Tour.
According to the Business Development Department (DBD), Ivan Durian Tour Co Ltd was established on July 11, 2023. The company has a registered capital of B4 million, which technically allows getting work permits for two foreigners if four Thais per each foreigner are employed.
Mr Ivan Pigo is listed in the database as the company’s director, with one person/entity as the shareholder. The company’s registered field of operation is limited to "Tour operator activities" only (code 79120).
The report concluded by stating, "Phuket Immigration Office would like to thank all the people who help officials by providing clues."
In early September, Phuket Immigration encouraged the public to report any wrongdoings by foreigners in Phuket, including working illegally.
To make reporting more convenient, Phuket Immigration noted that people could submit tip-offs through the ‘citizen empowerment’ app Traffy Fondue (See the English-language form here).
Alternatively people can call the hotline 096-0365485, or submit a tip-off through a newly launched Google Form now made available (click here to see form).