Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Local residents have expressed concerns, after discovering Indian workers allegedly operating illegal tour services in the heart of Pattaya, in clear violation of labour laws.

 

Reports from concerned members of the public indicate that Indian nationals have been seen picking up fellow Indian tourists from massage parlours, before taking them on unauthorised tours around the city. These activities not only contravene the law, as the profession of tour guiding is legally reserved for Thai nationals, but also threaten the livelihoods of local Thais working in the tourism sector.

 

“This is a direct violation of our laws and an affront to our tourism industry,” said one local business owner. “It’s not just illegal, it’s unfair. These foreign workers are exploiting the free visa policy and taking away income that should go to Thai people.”

 

The issue comes amid growing concerns about the influx of foreign workers using visa-free schemes to engage in unauthorised employment. Authorities are being urged to crack down on such illegal practices, which locals say are damaging Pattaya’s tourism economy and fuelling resentment among legal operators.

 

Officials have reminded the public that anyone witnessing such illegal activity should report it immediately to the relevant authorities.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 2025-06-22

 

 

The government wanted them now they have to suffer the consequences this just the tip of the iceberg they have infiltrated the workforce everywhere

Off topic post removed.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

These foreign workers are exploiting the free visa policy and taking away income that should go to Thai people.”

Well yes, that was the concern when these policies were introduced. Indians are not slow at being industrious. 

48 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Well yes, that was the concern when these policies were introduced. Indians are not slow at being industrious. 

Unlike Thais who don't learn sufficient English in school so are useless at being tour guides.

Do you agree that “This is a direct violation of our laws and an affront to our tourism industry,” asked the reporter, and “It’s not just illegal, it’s unfair. These foreign workers are exploiting the free visa policy and taking away income that should go to Thai people.”

 

"errr", replied one local business owner.

Thailand seems to worry about decline in tourist numbers.

If guides spoke visitors languages with some level of fluidity and could actually give informative tours, maybe the numbers might inch up

Little bit of hypocrisy showing here.  Countless western bar owners supplement their income running Golfing Tours, bar crawls, fishing expeditions and other activities that fall under the definition of "Tours". 

Pot calling the kettle black.  

The Thai Police will arrest them, stick 'em in the IDC and let them deport themselves at their own expense. 

 

They will then be banned from re-entry as their biometrics will be on file.

 

UK take note.

17 hours ago, dddave said:

Little bit of hypocrisy showing here.  Countless western bar owners supplement their income running Golfing Tours, bar crawls, fishing expeditions and other activities that fall under the definition of "Tours". 

Pot calling the kettle black.  

In tis case it is the Thais who are complaining about foreigners taking on their reserved occupations. The law is on their side, but you raise a point.

Simplicity of Thai thinking at its best.... Foreigners who organize tours or be guides are violating the law as these jobs are only for Thai people.. They take away our income and it is not fair the netizens claim, but they forget that the tourists bring in the money, and with no tours or guides tourists will not do the tour and will not spend their money. so it will be cost them more than allow these "illegal" activities...And why can do foreigners these jobs?? because the Thai can't do it, lack of education, lack of money, and lack of willingness to work

Why not have a special visa for tour guides

1 hour ago, baansgr said:

Why not have a special visa for tour guides

It is more about a work permit I suspect. And behind it all, Thais don't want to give up their jobs to foreigners. They are protecting their people and helping them to have employment. (Rather cushy employment at that). Is that a failing for the government of the country? I guess they realize their own people are behind linguistically at least.  I think it is commendable.

On 6/22/2025 at 4:00 AM, Georgealbert said:

Local residents have expressed concerns, after discovering Indian workers allegedly operating illegal tour services in the heart of Pattaya, in clear violation of labour laws.

Thailand really needs to open up, maybe it would bring in more visitors.

1 hour ago, baansgr said:

Why not have a special visa for tour guides

Wash your mouth out with soap and no dinner.

It's obviously down to Thailand, but how many Thai's speak Hindi, or Russian, or French, or German etc. who can offer these services. Not everyone speaks Thai or English and generally these are the only languages you can find tours in...

 

Maybe they should open up but you have to go through a full course you need to pay for, register the company and be subject to inspections to make sure all guides are licensed via the course.

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Simplicity of Thai thinking at its best.... Foreigners who organize tours or be guides are violating the law as these jobs are only for Thai people.. They take away our income and it is not fair the netizens claim, but they forget that the tourists bring in the money, and with no tours or guides tourists will not do the tour and will not spend their money. so it will be cost them more than allow these "illegal" activities...And why can do foreigners these jobs?? because the Thai can't do it, lack of education, lack of money, and lack of willingness to work

Lack of Thai's being able to speak the tourists language

1 hour ago, baansgr said:

Why not have a special visa for tour guides

 

Why? Indians can give tours in India. 

12 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

Why? Indians can give tours in India. 

Good Idea.. let the tourist go to India instead of coming to Thailand....

On 6/22/2025 at 5:03 AM, ozz1 said:

The government wanted them now they have to suffer the consequences this just the tip of the iceberg they have infiltrated the workforce everywhere

 

 

The government wanted to boost tourism not criminality

 

14 minutes ago, actonion said:

Lack of Thai's being able to speak the tourists language

 At least in the Pattaya/Jomtien areas there are plenty operators that offers tours with guides who has high level of fluency in multiple languages , even some with a more understandable English than [some] UK citizens 😉

The old-fashioned but very effective system in UK years ago was: "bobbies on the beat!" and much more effective than "Bobbies sitting in the Office" all day! Unfortunately, not much prevention, only around later to pick up the pieces!

 

Amazing what on-the-ground observations about many aspects matters untoward can be made, especially in areas prone to such things:

 

Pattaya and Phuket spring to mind as areas of greatest need!

Wondering how many tailor shops employees could be illegal Indian workers. 

On 6/22/2025 at 4:00 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Local residents have expressed concerns, after discovering Indian workers allegedly operating illegal tour services in the heart of Pattaya, in clear violation of labour laws.

 

Reports from concerned members of the public indicate that Indian nationals have been seen picking up fellow Indian tourists from massage parlours, before taking them on unauthorised tours around the city. These activities not only contravene the law, as the profession of tour guiding is legally reserved for Thai nationals, but also threaten the livelihoods of local Thais working in the tourism sector.

 

“This is a direct violation of our laws and an affront to our tourism industry,” said one local business owner. “It’s not just illegal, it’s unfair. These foreign workers are exploiting the free visa policy and taking away income that should go to Thai people.”

 

The issue comes amid growing concerns about the influx of foreign workers using visa-free schemes to engage in unauthorised employment. Authorities are being urged to crack down on such illegal practices, which locals say are damaging Pattaya’s tourism economy and fuelling resentment among legal operators.

 

Officials have reminded the public that anyone witnessing such illegal activity should report it immediately to the relevant authorities.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 2025-06-22

 

 

 

The challenge is whether they are Indian or are Thai Indian born and raised here.

Wonder why the cops don’t do anything about this. Seems like it’s obvious to all and sundry that it is going on.

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Good Idea.. let the tourist go to India instead of coming to Thailand....

 

34 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Wondering how many tailor shops employees could be illegal Indian workers. 

 

A lot of the Indians are the owners (usually Sikh) who then illegally employ Burmese, most of whom look lower-caste Indian. 

That really shouldn't surprise anyone. And yet, they opened the floodgates by allowing them to enter visa exempt!

On 6/22/2025 at 4:00 AM, Georgealbert said:

Indian workers allegedly operating illegal tour services in the heart of Pattaya,

 

I wonder how soon Pattaya's Walking Street will look like this?

 

Might be off topic but how do the indians Run so many of the shops on Walking Street.  

 

Also, how do the clubs make enough money to stay afloat? They all seem to offer the same thing and charge ridiculous prices

3 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Might be off topic but how do the indians Run so many of the shops on Walking Street.  

 

Also, how do the clubs make enough money to stay afloat? They all seem to offer the same thing and charge ridiculous prices

 

 

Good question , those clubs look like total sausage parties