Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

The tourism sector was faced with a controversy on 13 October after a video surfaced showing a foreign tour guide threatening Chinese tourists who refused to buy goods from a local shop. The incident, shared on the Facebook page “Thai Tourism Industry,” showed the man shouting on a tour bus and warning passengers that he would prevent them from returning to China if they did not make purchases as instructed. The guide, believed to be operating illegally, also forced a passenger to delete a video recording of the altercation once he noticed he was being filmed.

 

The video, reportedly filmed on a bus carrying a Chinese tour group, quickly spread on social media and drew widespread criticism. The man, speaking through a microphone, accused the tourists of disrespecting him by not shopping at the store he recommended. He then issued a verbal threat that they would not be allowed to return to China, causing visible discomfort among the group. Witnesses said the incident occurred after tourists declined to buy products at a shop known within the industry for catering to “zero-dollar tours.”

 

Such establishments typically rely on commissions or “tea money” from foreign tour guides who bring customers to the premises. Reports suggest the illegal guide became angry after the group’s refusal meant he would lose his commission and fail to recover tour-related costs paid to a travel agency. This type of practice, while long condemned, remains a recurring problem that tarnishes Thailand’s industry.

 

The clip’s release prompted strong reactions from licensed Thai tour guides, who condemned the behaviour and warned it damages both the country’s image and its legitimate tourism economy. Many urged authorities to take swift action to eliminate unlicensed foreign guides and illegal operators who exploit visitors and undermine Thai professionals.

 

This latest scandal follows a formal complaint submitted on 10 September by a group of Thai tour guides to Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The petition called for a crackdown on illegal foreign tour guides and unregistered tourism businesses that infringe on occupations reserved for Thai nationals. Despite the government’s earlier assurances, the emergence of another high-profile case within a month has renewed calls for decisive enforcement.

 

The Department of Tourism and Tourist Police have been urged to intensify inspections and penalties against unauthorised foreign guides. Industry representatives say a strong response is essential to rebuild confidence among travellers.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A video showed a foreign illegal tour guide threatening Chinese tourists who refused to buy goods.

• The incident reignited concerns over “zero-dollar tour” operations exploiting visitors in Thailand.

• Thai guides have renewed calls for stricter enforcement against unlicensed foreign tour operators.

 

Related Stories

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now From Dailynews 2025-10-14

 

 

 

 

Stop with the labour law that only Thais are allowed to be a guide.. With licenses there is more control, but because the job is protected, it results in illegal guides. People want to be guided on holiday and when there are no guides available, people will act as one, as the RTP is not checking and they can do as they want for years, until like now they make mistakes...And the same for touroperators.. We live in the 21st century and no jobs don't need to be protected anymore.. 

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An example of zero baht Chinese tourism.

42 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Stop with the labour law that only Thais are allowed to be a guide.. With licenses there is more control, but because the job is protected, it results in illegal guides. People want to be guided on holiday and when there are no guides available, people will act as one, as the RTP is not checking and they can do as they want for years, until like now they make mistakes...And the same for touroperators.. We live in the 21st century and no jobs don't need to be protected anymore.. 

No. This is a Chinese tour guide trying to force Chinese tourtists to buy from Chinese owned shops. My guess is the bus company is also Chinese owned. This is zero baht Chinese tourism in action.

Scum bag.

But not anything new. 

I feel sorry for the Chinese tourists... jeez... those aren't the sort of memories you'd want to take home, ya think? And as this happened in Thailand, this fine country will be associated with threats and extortion. Word spreads. 

As far as local economic stimulus, I imagine some tea money just might be distributed among BIB to overlook these tours

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He then issued a verbal threat that they would not be allowed to return to China, causing visible discomfort among the group.

 

Shirley, this is incorrect!

 

How could it be a threat to PREVENT them from returning to china?  We've been told non-stop that all the Chinese peasants are yearning to escape Xi's dystopian gulag.

6 hours ago, dinsdale said:

No. This is a Chinese tour guide trying to force Chinese tourtists to buy from Chinese owned shops. My guess is the bus company is also Chinese owned. This is zero baht Chinese tourism in action.

 

Yeah, but still they're the preferred tourists in Thailand... 'Amazing!' 😆 

On 10/14/2025 at 5:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

The video, reportedly filmed on a bus carrying a Chinese tour group, quickly spread on social media and drew widespread criticism. The man, speaking through a microphone, accused the tourists of disrespecting him by not shopping at the store he recommended. He then issued a verbal threat that they would not be allowed to return to China, causing visible discomfort among the group. Witnesses said the incident occurred after tourists declined to buy products at a shop known within the industry for catering to “zero-dollar tours

Chinese tour guide ??

This is good...Do what ever it takes to squeeze a few baht out of the Cheap Charlie Chinese......lol

Once again brought to the attention of the PM and stopped there after a few words reassuring that this would be handled. If only their words actually came to action, I believe that many things would be resolved, but we know how it goes here. All talk and no action. 

On 10/14/2025 at 5:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

if they did not make purchases as instructed.

 

You will buy my junk!

 

 

On 10/14/2025 at 6:02 AM, dinsdale said:

An example of zero baht Chinese tourism.

This zero-dollar tourism is worth little to the local community and detracts from the tourism experience of legitimate tourists.

On 10/14/2025 at 1:53 PM, NoDisplayName said:

 

Shirley, this is incorrect!

 

How could it be a threat to PREVENT them from returning to china?  We've been told non-stop that all the Chinese peasants are yearning to escape Xi's dystopian gulag.

It was George Albert posting. Not his sister Shirley.

3 hours ago, jcmj said:

Once again brought to the attention of the PM and stopped there after a few words reassuring that this would be handled. If only their words actually came to action, I believe that many things would be resolved, but we know how it goes here. All talk and no action. 

So where does it ?

Thai Agency Denies Forcing Tourists to Buy Souvenirs

 

Photo via TVBS

 

A Thai travel agency has refuted allegations that it compelled Chinese tourists to purchase souvenirs for commission, following a viral video of a Chinese tour guide threatening travelers. The video, which surfaced on Weibo and caught the attention of Thai netizens, showed the guide angrily warning tourists on a bus that they would face issues returning home unless they bought products at a duty-free shop. This incident led to online backlash, with accusations of the guide exploiting tourists for personal gain.

 

Authorities in Thailand, responding to online demands, have begun a formal investigation. The Ministry of Tourism and Transport launched a probe after the video prompted controversy. On October 14, officials from the Tourist Police and Department of Tourism inspected the office of the Bangkok-based travel agency involved in organizing the tour. The agency clarified that it collaborated with a Chinese partner to arrange the Bangkok-Pattaya-Chon Buri trip from October 8 to 13 and that the guide in question was part of the group from China.

 

The agency stated that the tour guide seen in the clip was solely responsible for his actions and that a licensed Thai guide accompanied the group, ensuring no forced purchases occurred. They also confirmed that all involved individuals, including the guide, have returned to China. Thai authorities are currently verifying the licenses of the Chinese travel agency and its representative.

 

As no formal complaints have been filed, Thai officials are gathering evidence to assess if any laws were breached. However, current regulations do not directly apply to guides from foreign companies operating temporarily in Thailand, as they are deemed overseas staff. Officials have indicated that if violations are identified, legal actions will be enforced accordingly.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

• A Thai agency denied allegations of forcing souvenir purchases by tourists.
• A viral video spurred official probes into the travel agency and guide.
• Thai law does not cover foreign guides temporarily working in Thailand.

 

Related Stories

Foreign ‘Illegal Guide’ Threatens Chinese Tourists Over Shopping

Chinese Man Arrested for Stealing 2 Baht Gold in Bangkok

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-15

 

 

On 10/14/2025 at 4:53 AM, NoDisplayName said:

 

Shirley, this is incorrect!

 

How could it be a threat to PREVENT them from returning to china?  We've been told non-stop that all the Chinese peasants are yearning to escape Xi's dystopian gulag.

And China would demand its citizens return, whether they tourists held to ransom or refugees. Thailand would immediately send them back.

Get caught redhanded  deny deny deny

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A Thai travel agency has refuted allegations that it compelled Chinese tourists to purchase souvenirs for commission

So, why were threats made, then? 

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

video of a Chinese tour guide threatening travelers.

 

Throw him in jail in China!

I don't think Thai people nor gov't realize exactly how much it is hurting the tourism industry to prevent foreign tour guides.

 

Does anybody think there are enough Thai tour guides who speak foreign languages?  Russian?  Indian?  Heck, even Algerian or Arabic?

 

I spent 10 years in Sri Lanka where a good 40% of tourists came as part of a tour group, and were almost all guided by their own country tour guides, spending huge sums of money!

 

Here in Thailand, I see only Chinese tour groups, and no other nationality, basically.  I can't help but feel they are throwing away tons of foreign exchange by these protectionist measures!