Phuket –
Phuket Tourist Police, working in coordination with the Department of Tourism, have arrested a Russian national for illegally operating tour services without authorization. The arrest took place at sea off Chalong Bay, where the suspect was found guiding a fishing trip for foreign tourists.
Pol. Lt. Col. Ekachai Siri, Chief of Phuket Tourist Police Station told the Phuket Express that on Wednesday (May 6th) the investigation began after a tip-off to the 1155 hotline revealed that foreign nationals were advertising tour packages through the Telegram app. Undercover officers infiltrated the group for several weeks, gathering evidence before arranging a sting purchase of a fishing tour priced at 3,000 baht per person.
On May 6th, the Russian suspect was caught red-handed while acting as a tour guide for six fellow foreign tourists. Tourist Police patrol boats intercepted the group and made the arrest.
The suspect now faces three serious charges:
- Operating a tour business without a license, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of 500,000 baht.
- Acting as a tour guide without authorization, carrying a penalty of up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht.
- Working illegally as a foreigner, subject to fines between 5,000 and 50,000 baht under Thai labor law.
Authorities confirmed that after criminal proceedings conclude, they will move to revoke the suspect’s visa and deport him from Thailand. The case shows Thailand’s commitment to protecting local livelihoods and enforcing tourism regulations.
