SURAT THANI – A British national was apprehended on Pha Ngan Island, Surat Thani, for illegally conducting tour guide operations, relevant authorities reported on Thursday, May 30th.
The Koh Pha Ngan Tourist Police, upon receiving a tip-off from a concerned local tour company, launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the individual who was allegedly offering an 18-day tour package covering Bangkok, Khao Sok, Pha Ngan Island, Phi Phi Island, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The tour was priced at 70,121.91 baht per person.
The suspect, identified only as 25-year-old Mr. Jabran, was detained at 1:30 P.M. at a hotel in the Baan Tai sub-district of the Koh Pha Ngan district. He was subsequently taken into custody at the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station.
Mr. Jabran is facing charges for operating without a legal work permit and engaging in a profession reserved for Thai nationals. The Phuket Express highlights that the occupation of a tour guide is protected under Thai law, and work permits or visas for this role are not issued to foreigners. Mr. Jabran has reportedly confessed to the allegations.
The case has drawn attention to the stringent regulations surrounding employment in Thailand, particularly in occupations deemed protected for Thai citizens. The incident serves as a reminder of the legal requirements for foreign nationals seeking to work in the country.
