Two Men Arrested for Unlicensed Tour Operation in Loei

Authorities in Loei, Thailand, have arrested two men at the Ban Khok Phai border checkpoint for allegedly operating an unlicensed tour business offering trips to Laos for Thai tourists. The arrests took place on February 16 in the Pak Chom subdistrict, with officers seizing documents, money transfer records, and promotional materials used in their operation. The suspects, both 30 and from Mueang Loei district, were charged under Thailand’s Tour Business and Guide Act (2008), facing up to two years in prison or a fine of 500,000 baht.

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The unlicensed tour business reportedly operated for over two months, utilizing a Lao tour company license and promoting their services on social media. Tours were managed through the Khok Phai checkpoint using hired vans. The Tourism Police undertook a covert operation, purchasing a tour package for February 14-15 to confirm the illegal operations before making the arrests.

Acting Second Lt. Kritchanat Kunratchahirun, president of the Loei Tourism Business Association, emphasized the importance of using licensed tour operators due to potential legal penalties when things go awry. He noted the increased activity at Ban Khok Phai following its upgrade to facilitate smoother cross-border travel. Kritchanat advocated for further inspections of online adverts for overseas tours to verify their legitimacy.

Going forward, authorities urge tourists to use resources provided by the Department of Tourism to verify tour companies' licenses before purchasing trips. This advice aims to prevent illegal operations and protect tourists from potential scams.

Key Takeaways

• Two men were arrested for running an unlicensed tour business in Loei.

• The operation used a Lao license and advertised via social media.

• Tourists can verify tour operator licenses through the Department of Tourism.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 16 Feb 2026