Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A Croatian national has been arrested in Chiang Mai for illegally operating a tour business and working without a permit, in violation of laws protecting local employment and tourism regulations.

 

Acting on the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal tour operations and unlicensed guides, senior officers from the Tourist Police Bureau, including Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am, Police Major General Phongsayam Meekhantong, and Police Major General Ekaphop Intwiwat, ordered an investigation that led to the arrest.

 

The suspect, identified as Mr. Andre, a Croatian citizen, had been residing in a condominium in central Chiang Mai. He was reportedly running a tour sales office targeting foreign tourists in the Chang Khlan area, a popular tourist district.

 

Following weeks of surveillance, a joint operation was launched by officers from the 2nd Division of the Tourist Police and officials from the Northern Branch of the Department of Tourism’s Tour and Guide Registration Office, led by Mr. Napadon Awutkampreecha, the regional registrar.

 

Mr. Andre was apprehended and charged with two offences: operating a tour business without a licence and working illegally as a foreign national without a valid work permit. The charges carry a maximum fine of 500,000 baht.

 

Authorities have emphasised that the operation is part of a broader initiative to safeguard Thai jobs in the tourism sector and ensure that all businesses catering to tourists are operating within the bounds of the law.

 

The suspect has been handed over to local police investigators for further legal proceedings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-05-21.

 

 

 

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr. Andre was apprehended and charged with two offences: operating a tour business without a licence and working illegally as a foreign national without a valid work permit. The charges carry a maximum fine of 500,000 baht.

 

Ouchhhhh !

Unlike Russians escaping the war, we have an example of a foreign national, working illegally,  who comes from a country that is considered stable. Little sympathy for foreigners working illegally in Thailand when they can get employment from their home country. If he is smart enough to operate a tour company in a foreign country then he is smart enough to get a job in his home country. 

Wonder why it took weeks of surveillance? Did he only have one customer a month?

Why do they let these guys into the country?  They give the rest of us a bad name!

11 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Why do they let these guys into the country?  They give the rest of us a bad name!

Why? Are you Croatian? A tour guide operator? 

Don't these clowns know that thais are very jealous and will shop their own mother