Tourist Fishing Boat Detained in Phuket Over Illegal Charter Operation

Thai marine police have detained a tourist fishing boat in Chalong Bay after discovering it was operating a fishing trip for Chinese tourists without a licensed tour guide, as required under Thai law.

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the operation in a statement released on June 25, although the inspection itself took place on June 22. Photos published by the authorities confirmed both reports refer to the same incident.

According to the CIB, the operation was launched after officers received intelligence that an illegal fishing tour for Chinese visitors was being conducted from a tourist boat in Phuket.

During the inspection, officers found two Chinese tourists and a Thai skipper on board but no licensed tour guide. Under Thailand's Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act, guided tourism activities must be accompanied by an officially licensed guide. The case has been forwarded to the Department of Tourism for further legal action.

The inspection uncovered additional violations. Police reported irregularities involving the vessel's operating documents and the captain's licensing.

Authorities also discovered an unregistered Starlink satellite communication system installed on the boat. Investigators said the equipment had been illegally imported into Thailand, prompting marine police to initiate separate legal proceedings related to the communications device.

The 27-year-old skipper, identified only as Kritphat, told investigators that the Starlink equipment belonged to the company that hired him rather than to himself.

The CIB also confirmed that investigators have begun examining the company's ownership structure to determine whether it may be operating through Thai nominee shareholders to conceal foreign ownership, a practice prohibited under Thai law.

Officials did not identify the tour operator involved in the case. However, photographs released by authorities show the skipper wearing the uniform of Phuket-based fishing charter company Panda Fishing.