A Russian national was apprehended by tourist police in Phang Nga on May 21 for illegally acting as a tour guide while leading a group of foreign tourists. The individual, whose name has not been disclosed, was taken into custody at the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Station’s car park after officials noticed him providing guidance at the Suwan Kuha Temple.
Authorities reported that staff at the temple observed the Russian man assisting and informing foreign visitors during their tour. This prompted them to notify the tourist police, who subsequently intercepted the tour group at the breeding station.
The police revealed that the suspect was traveling in a van with ten foreign tourists. A search of both the individual and the vehicle uncovered documents related to tour guide activities.
Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the Russian national was employed by a registered travel agency. However, officials stated he lacked a valid work permit and a licensed tour guide certificate.
The Department of Tourism has charged the suspect under Sections 49 and 86 of the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act for unlicensed tour guiding. This violation could lead to penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of 100,000 baht, or both. The individual also faces additional charges for working without a permit and engaging in a vocation reserved for Thai citizens.
Furthermore, the involved travel agency may incur fines reaching 500,000 baht for permitting tourists to travel without a certified Thai tour guide.
Earlier this month, another Russian national was arrested in Phuket for illegally conducting fishing tours for foreign tourists, having admitted to promoting these tours via the Telegram app without the necessary permissions. In January, a separate incident saw a Russian tour guide taken into custody at a pier in Phuket while assisting tourists to board a boat, where he confessed to working unlawfully, primarily serving Russian clients.
Source: The Thaiger
