The arrest was carried out today (May 6) following a month-long undercover investigation led by Phuket Tourist Police in cooperation with the Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office under the Department of Tourism.
The operation was ordered by Tourist Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Saksira Puek-am, who directed officers nationwide to intensify action against foreigners engaging in occupations reserved for Thai nationals, Phuket Tourist Police reported.
Phuket Tourist Police Chief Pol Lt Col Ekachai Siri said the investigation began after officers received a tip-off via the 1155 Tourist Police hotline that a group of foreigners were advertising and selling tour packages through Telegram.
Undercover officers infiltrated the group over the course of a month, gathering evidence and identifying those involved. An officer later posed as a customer and arranged to join a fishing tour advertised at B3,000 per person.
Police moved in this morning, when the suspect ‒ acting as a tour guide ‒ was leading a group of six foreign tourists on a fishing trip in Chalong Bay. Officers followed the vessel by patrol boat before intercepting and arresting him at sea.
The man now faces multiple charges, including operating a tour business without a licence and working as a tour guide without authorisation under the Tour Business and Tour Guide Act.
He is also charged under the Alien Employment Act for working outside the scope of his permitted employment as a foreign national.
Authorities said the offences carry penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to B500,000, depending on the charge.
Following the conclusion of legal proceedings, Tourist Police will seek revocation of the suspect’s permission to stay in Thailand and proceed with deportation in accordance with the law, Phuket Tourist Police noted.
Officials reiterated that enforcement efforts will continue, particularly against foreign nationals using online platforms to circumvent Thai labour and tourism laws.