Tourist Police from Phuket, working alongside officials from the Office of Tourism Business and Guide Registration, Southern Branch Region 2, arrested a Russian national for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide in Phang Nga province.
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The arrest took place on 21 May 2026 at 10.35am in the car park outside the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Station in Tak Daet subdistrict, Mueang district, Phang Nga. Officers said the operation followed an investigation into reports that a foreign national had been illegally acting as a guide for tourist groups in the area.
Authorities monitored the suspect and reportedly observed him providing information about tourist attractions and assisting foreign tourists during a tour at Wat Tham Suwan Khuha in Phang Nga province. The suspect later travelled with the tour group to the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Station, where officers moved in to make the arrest.
During the inspection, officers found brochures containing tour programme details and a list of tour participants in the suspect’s possession. Investigators said these materials were used as evidence supporting the allegation that he had been operating as a guide without authorisation.
Further document checks found that the suspect had entered Thailand on a tourist visa. Officials also confirmed that he did not hold a valid work permit and did not possess a licence to work as a tour guide in Thailand.
Police issued two charges against the Russian national. The first charge was “working as a tour guide without a tour guide licence”. The second charge was “being a foreigner working without a valid work permit”.
Officials stated that the operation formed part of ongoing cooperation between Tourist Police and the Office of Tourism Business and Guide Registration, Southern Branch Region 2. The agencies said the campaign is aimed at preventing and suppressing illegal business activities involving foreign nationals that could affect Thailand’s tourism industry.
The case also follows broader government policies targeting crimes involving foreign nationals in key tourist destinations across the country. Authorities have recently intensified inspections and enforcement operations in several provinces popular with international visitors.
The suspect will face further legal proceedings in accordance with Thai law. Officials have not released additional details about the tour company or the tourists involved in the incident.
Pictures courtesy of Phuket Hotnews
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Phuket Hotnews 22 May 2026