PHUKET —
A 34-year-old Russian man was arrested on September 17th for illegally working as a tour guide in Phuket, as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on unauthorized foreign labor in Thailand’s tourism sector.
The arrest took place at a pier in the Rassada subdistrict, where officers from the Marine Police Division 8 observed the suspect—identified as Anton—escorting a group of tourists disembarking from a boat bound for Phi Phi Island.
Anton was reportedly holding documents resembling a tourist manifest and directing travelers toward waiting vans, causing officers to intervene.
Upon inspection, Anton presented a job order labeled “PHI PHI – BAMBOO,” which listed crew members but did not include his name. He was unable to produce a valid work permit or tour guide license when asked to show his passport and employment documentation.
Authorities charged Anton with two offenses: Working without a permit under the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers, and illegally acting as a tour guide in violation of the Tourism Business and Guide Act, which reserves guiding roles exclusively for Thai nationals.
He was transferred to Phuket City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
