Gen. Saksira Phueakam, Commander of the Tourist Police, has directed officers across the nation to step up efforts against illegal activities in anticipation of the upcoming tourism high season. The goal is to enhance tourist safety and improve Thailand’s tourism image.
Under the guidance of Pol. Col. Man Rotthong, head of the Tourist Police Division 2, investigators have been deployed to target illegal operations, particularly focusing on foreign guides working without permits. This initiative led to three arrests.
The first arrest involved Ms. Yatatavi, 24, who was apprehended based on a warrant from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court. She faces charges of “conspiracy to defraud the public by tricking individuals into paying for nonexistent accommodations.” The victim had found a homestay listing on Facebook, transferred 7,550 baht for a reservation, and was later asked for additional fees, prompting her to realize she had been scammed. Authorities gathered evidence and located the suspect at her home in Surat Thani.
During a patrol in Chonburi, officers identified two Vietnamese individuals acting as illegal tour guides. The first, Mr. Nguyen, 31, was caught guiding tourists at the Four Regions Floating Market without a valid license. He was charged with “operating as a tour guide without a permit” and taken to Na Jomtien Police Station for legal proceedings.
Another Vietnamese national, Mr. Hngie Khuoc, 39, was arrested while guiding tourists at Khao Chi Chan Temple, also facing charges for unauthorized guiding. Both individuals will undergo the legal process.
These operations highlight the commitment of Thai authorities to uphold legal standards in the tourism sector, ensuring a safe environment for both locals and visitors.
