Chinese National Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Working as Illegal Tour Guide

Authorities in Phuket have intensified efforts against illegal tourism operations after arresting a Chinese national accused of working as an unlicensed tour guide for foreign visitors.

The operation was conducted jointly by officers from the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office and Phuket Tourist Police following reports about suspicious tour activity involving Chinese tourists.

Investigators tracked a tour van carrying seven Chinese visitors and a man suspected of illegally acting as a guide.

On May 26, officers began monitoring the group from around 2:30 p.m. as they traveled from an elephant camp to Promthep Cape. Police discreetly followed the excursion and observed the suspect interacting with tourists throughout the trip.

By approximately 5 p.m., while the group was watching the sunset at Promthep Cape, investigators concluded that the man was actively performing guiding duties rather than simply accompanying friends or acquaintances.

Authorities then intervened and detained the suspect at the scene.

During the search, officers discovered several pieces of evidence inside the vehicle and among the suspect’s belongings. These included a Thai-language tour assignment document issued by a travel company, although the section intended for the guide’s name had reportedly been left blank.

Police also found a Chinese-language travel itinerary and a complete list of tourists participating in the tour.

Officials described the evidence as strong enough to support legal action.

The suspect now faces charges under Thailand’s Tourism Business and Guide Act for working as a tour guide without a valid license. The offense carries penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

He is also accused of working in Thailand without a legal work permit under regulations governing foreign workers, which may result in additional penalties.

Thai authorities continue to expand inspections targeting illegal tourism businesses and unauthorized foreign workers in Phuket, particularly in popular tourist destinations.