Myanmar Man Arrested in Phuket for Illicit Tourist Boat Operations

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A 21-year-old man from Myanmar, known as Paii, found himself in custody at Chalong Pier after being apprehended for operating an illegal tourist boat operation. The Marine Police, during a routine check, discovered Paii running services with a raft of violations.

 

This arrest forms part of a larger effort to tackle unlicensed operations within Phuket's bustling tourism sector—a region experiencing an uptick in attempts to bypass regulations. Officers routinely monitor these activities to ensure visitor safety and compliance with local laws.

 

Paii is charged with several offences, including working without a valid permit as stipulated under the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers. Additionally, he operated a boat with an expired license under the Thai Navigation Act and lacked the necessary certification to prove his qualifications.

 

 

The longtail boat in question was transporting tourists from Koh Lone to Chalong Pier when officials discovered its license had lapsed on November 5. When asked for documents, Paii was unable to provide a proper work permit, valid boat license, or certification of competence.

 

He was first taken to the Marine Police's Region 3 offices for initial processing before being transferred to Chalong Police Station for further proceedings. Although it's clear that Paii was at the helm, the question of whether he owned the boat or worked for an employer remains unanswered, leaving the door open on the extent of this illegal enterprise.

 

The incident sends a clear message about the Marine Police's commitment to curbing illegal activities, protecting tourists, and maintaining safety standards in Phuket's renowned tourism industry.

 

-- 2024-12-12