Phuket —
Phuket Tourist Police have intensified their crackdown on foreigners working illegally, arresting a Russian national who was secretly operating as a tour guide without authorization.
Authorities told the Phuket Express that on saturday (March 4th) they discovered that the suspect was using a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows a stay of up to 180 days but strictly prohibits employment. Despite this restriction, the individual was found leading Russian-speaking tourists around Phuket, supported by evidence including itineraries written in Russian.
Police charged the suspect with three serious offenses:
- Operating a tourism business without a license
- Acting as a tour guide without proper certification
- Working illegally as a foreign national without a work permit
Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to investigators for prosecution. Officials confirmed they will seek revocation of the visa and initiate deportation proceedings.
