Report French National Arrested in Phuket for Illegal Tour Guide Work

[snoop1130]

Photo: The Phuket Express

 

Phuket authorities arrested a French national named Mr. Gauthier for illegally working as a tour guide, with further investigations now focusing on the involved tour company. The operation took place at Yamu Pier in Pa Khlok, Thalang, following multiple complaints and video evidence.

 

For some time, the Phuket Tourist Police had been receiving complaints about a foreigner conducting tours without the necessary authorisation. Responding to these concerns, law enforcement conducted surveillance at Yamu Pier, a key departure point for tour boats heading to Naka Yai, Naka Noi, and Rang islands. There, they observed Mr. Gauthier, assisting tourists aboard a speedboat without a properly licensed Thai guide present.

 

Upon identifying and apprehending Mr. Gauthier, it was confirmed that he was unlawfully employed by a tour company in Thailand. He was taken to the Phuket Tourist Police Station where he faced charges related to working without a valid permit and acting as a tour guide without proper licensing.

 

Further investigations exposed significant discrepancies within the tour company employing Mr. Gauthier. Although officially registered as a motorbike service company, it not only failed to provide licensed tour guides but also neglected to offer insurance coverage for its tourists. These infractions put the company in violation of the Tourism Business and Guide Act, which could result in fines of up to 500,000 THB each for neglecting to assign a licensed guide and for failing to provide travel insurance.

 

Authorities have confirmed that the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office will enforce administrative penalties against the company. This is expected to include the suspension of the company’s operating license, underscoring the seriousness with which Thai authorities are addressing illegal tourism activities. The case serves as a reminder of the stringent regulations governing the tourism sector in Thailand, ensuring safety and compliance in the industry.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Phuket Express 2025-05-02

 

 

[ikke1959]

Nice to read these stories , as Thailand is urging EU people to come to Thailand.. Many French people don't like to speak or are able to understand English, as France is the same as Thailand.. People who com on holiday in France should learn some French, is the attitude.. THailand with its outdated laws of labour protection doesn't understand that a very very few Thais are maybe able to speak French, and French are not allowed to translate as guides are protected as a Thai occupation... only solution is that Thailand is updating old laws, to make it attractive for foreigners to come on holiday and know the Thai culture, food and habits instead of complainimng that foreigners don't understand these things.. No wonder nobody can explain them as nobody is allowed to talk in fact another language as a Thai guide can.. 

[smedly]

does he speak Russian