The vessel was intercepted by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) Marine Police during a patrol near Laem Dinso, off Wichit, at about 6:45pm on Monday (June 22).
The inspection followed a tip-off that a Phuket-based fishing tour was taking Chinese tourists out to sea in possible violation of several laws.
Marine Police officers found two Chinese tourists aboard the charter vessel, which was being operated by a person police described only as “Captain Krit”.
During the inspection, officers discovered a Starlink satellite internet system installed on board, including satellite transceivers, power supplies and internet distribution equipment.
When questioned, the captain told officers the equipment belonged to the company that had hired him but was unable to produce any documentation proving its legal importation, possession or use.
The Starlink equipment was seized as evidence pending further investigation.
Starlink is not legally available in Thailand for commercial or residential use.
The Thai Government in November last year rejected Starlink’s offer to provide the service in the country due to an ownership hurdle, with Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob saying that 100% foreign ownership of a communication service raised security concerns.
Officers also found alleged breaches of the vessel’s operating licence and charged the operator with violating the conditions of its licence and the Thai Maritime Navigation Act.
Further enquiries found that the two Chinese tourists were taking part in the fishing tour without a licensed tour guide accompanying them.
Interviews with the captain, crew and tourists found no evidence that a tour guide had been assigned to the trip, as required under Thai tourism laws.
Marine Police have filed a complaint against the tour company and are preparing evidence to submit to the Department of Tourism for further action.
Authorities have also expanded the investigation after uncovering what they described as suspicious information relating to the company’s business structure and funding.
Investigators are now examining whether Thai nationals may have been used as nominee shareholders to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions.
The operation forms part of a wider crackdown on illegal marine tourism activities aimed at improving safety standards, protecting tourists and ensuring tourism operators comply with Thai law, the CIB said.