Russian National Arrested for Allegedly Guiding Tourists Without Permit Off Phuket

A 32-year-old Russian national was arrested off Phuket on October 4 after Marine Police allegedly found him working as a tour guide on a tourist boat without a work permit.

The case began after a tourist filed a complaint alleging that the Russian man, identified as Konstantin, was working illegally as a guide. According to the complaint, he had been providing information about tourist attractions to a group of passengers aboard the boat.

The tourist also told police that Konstantin had threatened him after he was filmed and demanded that the video be deleted. The complainant provided police with footage that allegedly showed the Russian national working on the vessel and explaining details of the trip.

Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers coordinated with Marine Police to locate the boat. The vessel was eventually found near Koh Maphrao in the Koh Kaew area of Phuket, where officers carried out an inspection.

When police boarded the boat, Konstantin was reportedly giving tourists information about nearby attractions and taking photographs for members of the group. Most of the passengers were Russian nationals.

During questioning, Konstantin reportedly acknowledged that he was working as a tour guide on the boat and receiving payment for each service. However, he was unable to produce a work permit or other relevant documentation.

Police therefore arrested him at the scene.

Authorities said the case involves an alleged violation of Section 8 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers. The provision carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of between 2,000 and 100,000 baht, or both.

Police also alleged that Konstantin violated Sections 86 and 49 of the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act by working as a tour guide despite being a foreign national. Tour guide work is reserved for Thai citizens under the law.

Police did not provide details of the penalties that may apply under those provisions.