Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities have arrested a British national for operating illegal birdwatching tours for foreign tourists in key wildlife areas in Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi, with officials stressing the move protects licensed Thai guides and the tourism sector. The suspect was taken into custody after completing a multi-day trip and now faces criminal charges under Thailand’s tourism and labour laws. Officials said the arrest demonstrates ongoing enforcement against unlicensed tour operations.

 

The Department of Tourism confirmed the arrest on 18 December, with Director-General Jaturon Phakdeewanich stating the case followed complaints from licensed tour guides. The reports alleged that foreign nationals were leading birdwatching activities at national parks and major birdwatching sites across Thailand. These tips prompted coordination between the Department of Tourism and the Tourist Police to monitor the group’s movements.

 

Investigators established that the group had travelled from Samut Songkhram to Phetchaburi between 14 and 18 December 2568. After gathering evidence, officers identified Mr Nick, a British national, as the individual providing tour services. He was found guiding a group of 10 foreign tourists on birdwatching trips across important sites in both northern and central Thailand.

 

Following the conclusion of the trip, authorities presented themselves and carried out an inspection. Mr Nick was arrested and transferred to investigators at Ladkrabang Police Station to face legal proceedings. He was charged under the Tourism Business and Guide Act for operating a tour business without a licence.

 

Under Section 80 in conjunction with Section 15 of the Act, the offence carries penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. Tourist Police also charged the suspect with working as a foreigner without a valid work permit or working beyond permitted rights. This offence falls under the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers.

 

Mr Jaturon said the Department of Tourism continues to prioritise strict enforcement against illegal tours and unlicensed guides nationwide. He thanked members of the public and professional guides for providing information that led to the arrest. Authorities said such cooperation is essential to safeguarding lawful employment and maintaining tourism standards.

 

Daily News reported that The Department of Tourism urged the public and tourists to report suspected illegal tour activities. Tips can be submitted by telephone on 0 2141 3171 or by email at [email protected]. Officials said further inspections and enforcement actions will continue to ensure sustainable tourism.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A British national was arrested on 18 December for operating unlicensed birdwatching tours in Thailand.

• The suspect guided 10 foreign tourists between Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi from 14–18 December 2568.

• Authorities reiterated penalties include imprisonment, fines and charges for illegal foreign employment.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Dailynews. 2025-12-19

 

 

Didnt know Bill Oddie was still around....

I wonder how foreign bird watchers in Thailand will now get their tours? Dont know of any such tours run by Thais. They may go to other SE Asian countries instead.

Or Bill Bailey.

"with officials stressing the move protects licensed Thai guides and the tourism sector."

 

So there are Thai bird watching tours? That's a new one?

9 minutes ago, Card said:

I wonder how foreign bird watchers in Thailand will now get their tours? Dont know of any such tours run by Thais. They may go to other SE Asian countries instead.

 

Think there is a job opening for them now. 

2 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

"with officials stressing the move protects licensed Thai guides and the tourism sector."

 

So there are Thai bird watching tours? That's a new one?

There is apparently a human bird watching tour every evening in Pattaya Walking Street wildlife sanctuary... or so I'm told...

Heck, they were just bird watching, unlike the Thai authorities that decided it was a great idea to put all the endangered species on the menu when they opened the "Night Safari" (or Nigh Sa Fa Ree" - in keeping with the other news about English proficiency.) in Chiang Mai.

9 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

There is apparently a human bird watching tour every evening in Pattaya Walking Street wildlife sanctuary... or so I'm told...

 

Yes.

There are some great Tit's,  to be observed down Soi 6

Even some, Bearded Tit's if required. ( no thanks )

Also Blue Tit's when it's a bit chilly.

I dont know why foreign nationals do these illegal work acts.

They always get caught in the end because once Thais notice, they report them to the police and it’s a favorite target for them because it’s so popular with the Thai public.

 

A win win win situation except for the foreign nationals.

20 minutes ago, Card said:

I wonder how foreign bird watchers in Thailand will now get their tours? Dont know of any such tours run by Thais. They may go to other SE Asian countries instead.

They never thought of that. Shoot from the lip.😜

2 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

I dont know why foreign nationals do these illegal work acts.

They always get caught in the end because once Thais notice, they report them to the police and it’s a favorite target for them because it’s so popular with the Thai public.

 

A win win win situation except for the foreign nationals.

 

Of course work permits are difficult to get. I've known two guys who went through the agonizing process for legitimate businesses and both were denied.

 

Maybe Thailand should consider lightening up the restrictions and letting more opportunities for those little brown envelopes to flow more freely. Win win.

5 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Yes.

There are some great Tit's,  to be observed down Soi 6

Even some, Bearded Tit's if required. ( no thanks )

Also Blue Tit's when it's a bit chilly.

 

I believe that white swallows have been observed in Soi Paisanee for several years already.

Plenty of American Woodcocks frolicking around in Thailand.

Don't remember seeing that on the list of occupations not allowed by foreigners ,  unless they are charging him as it is a tour and he can't be a tour guide . Rather than the niche specific bird watching tour. 

49 minutes ago, Card said:

I wonder how foreign bird watchers in Thailand will now get their tours? Dont know of any such tours run by Thais. They may go to other SE Asian countries instead.

 

Yeah, or you can look it up online.

they do exist here.

 

https://www.thailandbirdwatching.com/

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

the move protects licensed Thai guides and the tourism sector.

Fair enough - now point me in the direction of a Thai guide that specialises in birds & can speak passable English, using bird-watching jargon.

 

I'll be waiting a looooong time. 🙂 

Just now, hughrection said:

Fair enough - now point me in the direction of a Thai guide that specialises in birds & can speak passable English, using bird-watching jargon.

 

I'll be waiting a looooong time. 🙂 

Jus seen the post above - they do exist. I stand corrected. 🙂 

The authorities turn a blind eye to the Indians operating the restaurants in busy central Pattaya but launched a fight in rural areas for ONE foreign tour guide. Amazing.

Just now, showabanana said:

The authorities turn a blind eye to the Indians operating the restaurants in busy central Pattaya but launched a fight in rural areas for ONE foreign tour guide. Amazing.

...... and what about the foreign prossies in Pattaya, right there in the windows on walking street. 🙂 

Heinous crime,  10 years in jail then deportation....   

 

 

15 minutes ago, hughrection said:

...... and what about the foreign prossies in Pattaya, right there in the windows on walking street. 🙂 

 

Think they get away with it under the Exotic Dancers.

type of work visa. or something like that.

50 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Plenty of American Woodcocks frolicking around in Thailand.

 

You can even find some African migrating Black Birds in parts of Pattaya. 

 

53 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

I believe that white swallows have been observed in Soi Paisanee for several years already.

Ah yes The "swallow"      The true bird of love

How does the saying go....."one swallow does not a summer make"......but it does indicate a happy ending

1 hour ago, Card said:

I wonder how foreign bird watchers in Thailand will now get their tours? Dont know of any such tours run by Thais. They may go to other SE Asian countries instead.

Or join a legal company: https://www.bing.com/search?q=thai+bird+watcher+tours&form=ANNH01&refig=6944adbaceef4fae8e696ae31a31ef12&pc=U531

Just been reading that over a million Brit tourists have travelled to Thailand the highest number from Europe 

So I suspect a lot more things like this will be happening concerning Brits 😱

who enjoy staying in Thailand wanting to make some money 💰 🤑 

 

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

"with officials stressing the move protects licensed Thai guides and the tourism sector."

 

So there are Thai bird watching tours? That's a new one?

Try google.

1 hour ago, Gandtee said:

They never thought of that. Shoot from the lip.😜

No, you never bothered to do some research.

1 hour ago, quake said:

 

Yes.

There are some great Tit's,  to be observed down Soi 6

Even some, Bearded Tit's if required. ( no thanks )

Also Blue Tit's when it's a bit chilly.

I've seen a few old crows their too, and a chaffinch......

6 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Think they get away with it under the Exotic Dancers.

type of work visa. or something like that.

Surely, this would be reserved for Thai's. Thai women can dance. 

 

I suspect, they have a 'managers' work visa or such like. 🙂