Foreign Guides Arrested Over Illegal E-Bike Tours on Phangan

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Police on Koh Phangan have arrested two foreign nationals accused of running illegal electric motorcycle tours and working as unlicensed guides. The operation, carried out on 23 September, led to the seizure of e-bikes and equipment worth millions of baht. Authorities stressed that the arrests were necessary to protect road safety and uphold tourism laws.

The arrests followed complaints from residents about foreign nationals acting as tour guides without authorisation. Tourists were reportedly taken around the island using unregistered electric motorcycles, raising safety concerns. Police Tourism Commander Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-aum ordered officers to investigate.

During the operation, officers detained Mr Pyae Phyo Aung, a 31-year-old Myanmar national, while he was leading two foreign tourists. He was charged with working as a guide without a licence and working in Thailand without a work permit. Officers later encountered Mr Roman Christian Jenke, a 33-year-old German national, who identified himself as Pyae Phyo Aung’s employer.

Mr Jenke admitted hiring him as a guide and paying daily wages plus tips. He had established a company, Dirt E-Bike Co. Ltd., about six months earlier, advertising online and charging 2,000 baht per person per hour. The firm was registered with a head office on Koh Samui but had not obtained approval to operate a branch on Koh Phangan.

Police charged Mr Jenke with working beyond the scope of his permitted activities and employing a foreigner without a work permit. The board of Dirt E-Bike Co. Ltd. also faces charges for operating a tour business without a branch licence. Both suspects were transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.

Seized items included electric motorcycles and tour equipment, with the total value estimated in the millions of baht. Authorities emphasised that the tour guide profession is reserved for Thai nationals. Tourism Police Inspector Pol Lt Col Winij Boonchit warned that violations would be strictly prosecuted to maintain tourism standards and protect visitors.

Further investigations will review the company’s activities and potential breaches of business regulations. Proceedings against the suspects and the company are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Officials said enforcement would remain strict to support Thailand’s tourism image.

Key Takeaways

• Police on Koh Phangan arrested two foreigners for running illegal e-bike tours and working without licences.

• A Myanmar national and a German national face charges alongside their company, Dirt E-Bike Co. Ltd.

• Authorities seized assets worth millions of baht and warned that guiding is reserved for Thai nationals.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-24