Russian Woman Arrested for Illegally Working as Tour Guide Near Pattaya
PATTAYA – Tourist Police arrested a Russian woman for illegally working as a tour guide at Khao Chi Chan, a popular Buddha engraving site near Pattaya.
The arrest took place in the site’s parking area after officers observed the woman leading a group of foreign tourists. She was seen explaining details about the attraction in a foreign language without being accompanied by a licensed Thai tour guide.
Authorities followed the woman as she took the tourists to Wat Nong Yai in Naklua, where she continued providing guidance. Upon her return to the minivan, officers approached her, presented their credentials, and checked her identification. It was confirmed that she was not a registered tour guide. The minivan driver also verified that she was solely responsible for overseeing the group.
The woman was charged with “working without a permit” under the Immigration Act of 1979 and “acting as a tour guide without a license” under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. She was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Following the arrest, officials warned against the illegal operation of unlicensed tour guides, emphasizing that it is a restricted profession for foreigners under Thai law. Authorities stated that such activities not only harm Thailand’s tourism industry but also pose potential risks to visitor safety.
The Tourist Police urged both tourists and tour operators to use only licensed guides and encouraged the public to report illegal tour activities. Reports can be made via the Tourist Police hotline at 1155.