Russian Man Arrested at Sea for Running Illegal Fishing Tours in Phuket
- May 6
- 2 min read
A Russian national has been detained in Phuket for allegedly organizing unauthorized fishing excursions, following an investigation that linked tour promotions on Telegram to operations in Chalong.
The case was initiated after a report was submitted through the Tourist Police hotline. Authorities were alerted to a group of foreigners promoting fishing trips online. Officers then monitored the activity for more than a month, collecting evidence before proceeding further.
To confirm the allegations, investigators arranged for an undercover booking. An informant secured a fishing trip priced at 3,000 baht per person. On May 6, the suspect reportedly took the informant along with six other Russian tourists out to sea. Tourist Police, working alongside officials responsible for tour business registration, tracked the vessel and approached it using a patrol boat. After identifying themselves, officers carried out the arrest at sea.
According to police, the suspect did not possess a valid licence either to operate a tour company or to work as a tour guide. He was subsequently handed over to investigators and now faces multiple charges.
The primary accusation is running a tour business without authorization, which carries a possible penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. He is also charged with working as an unlicensed guide, an offence punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. In addition, authorities cited a violation of Thailand’s foreign labour regulations, which could result in a fine ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht.
Police indicated that, once legal proceedings are complete, they will seek to revoke the suspect’s visa and arrange for deportation.
Officials emphasized that this arrest forms part of a broader effort to crack down on foreigners working illegally in occupations reserved for Thai citizens. In a similar operation last year, Tourist Police apprehended two Russian nationals acting as unlicensed guides and imposed penalties on tour companies involved in unlawful activities.