Tourist Police Arrest Indonesian Woman for Illegally Operating Tours

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On September 22, 2024, at the Tourist Police Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, Commissioner-General of the Tourist Police Bureau, announced that, in line with the government’s policy, and the directive from Mr. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, to crack down on illegal activities affecting the tourism industry, efforts were made to ensure tourist safety and confidence during the high season.

 

Under the leadership of Mr. Chaturon Pakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, the TAT Investigation Division, Division 1, and the Tourist Police Bureau, along with the Indonesian Language Guide Association, conducted an investigation following complaints about illegal Indonesian tours.

 

It was found that 133 Indonesian tourists had been brought to Thailand between September 19 and 22, 2024, without using a legally registered tour company.

 

The investigation revealed sufficient evidence of several offenses, including operating an illegal tour business, acting as an unlicensed tour guide, and working without a permit.

The target of the investigation, an Indonesian woman named Ms. Siwalee (real name withheld), was found leading a tour at Bangkok's Pat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan).

 

Upon further inspection, it was confirmed that the tour had not been organized through a licensed operator.

 

Ms. Siwalee was charged with operating a tour business and acting as a tour guide without proper authorization. She was then taken to the Royal Palace Police Station for legal proceedings, reported Siam Rath.

 

In this case, Tourist Police officers coordinated with interpreters from the Indonesian Language Guide Club and Tourist Police patrol officers to ensure the tourists' schedules were not disrupted, thereby maintaining confidence in the safety of tourists visiting Thailand during the high season.

 

-- 2024-09-23