Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Tourist Police have arrested a Chinese national for illegally selling Buddhist amulets and offering belief-based rituals near Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate, a major tourist landmark, as part of a New Year crime suppression campaign. The suspect was found operating without a work permit while residing in Thailand on a tourist visa. Authorities said the action aims to protect lawful businesses and boost visitor confidence ahead of the festive season.

 

The arrest took place on 17 December and was carried out by officers from Tourist Police Division 2 under the Tourist Police Bureau. The operation was directed by Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Olar Eiampraphat, Commander of Tourist Police Division 2. Officers moved in after receiving intelligence that a foreign national was conducting commercial activities in the Tha Phae Gate area.

 

Police identified the suspect as Mr Yuan, a Chinese national. Investigators found he had been selling Buddhist amulets and talismans to Chinese tourists and offering packages for rituals believed to enhance luck and prosperity. These activities were conducted in the vicinity of the Tha Phae Gate square, one of Chiang Mai’s most visited tourist destinations.

 

Further investigation revealed that Mr Yuan used the WeChat application as his primary platform to contact and solicit Chinese customers. He allegedly invited tourists to meet in person to purchase amulets and participate in ritual services. Checks confirmed he had entered Thailand as a tourist and did not hold a valid work permit or licence to conduct any business.

 

During questioning, the suspect admitted to the activities, stating he had a personal interest in Buddhist amulets and decided to operate the business himself. Officers deemed the admission sufficient to proceed with legal action under Thai law. He was taken into custody without incident.

 

Police transferred Mr Yuan to investigators at Chiang Mai City Police Station to face charges of working as a foreigner without a work permit. Authorities said the offence falls under immigration and labour regulations governing foreign employment in Thailand. No additional charges were announced at the time.

 

Daily News reported that officials stated the arrest forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal activities targeting tourist areas ahead of the New Year 2569 holiday period. Tourist Police said inspections and enforcement operations will continue across key destinations. The aim, they said, is to ensure safety, fairness and confidence for both tourists and legitimate local businesses.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Tourist Police arrested a Chinese national on 17 December near Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate.

• The suspect allegedly sold amulets and ritual services while in Thailand on a tourist visa.

• He was charged with working without a valid work permit and sent for legal proceedings.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-12-20

 

 

 

Workpermit for this is impossible to get because of the outdated and protective labour laws.  And this news  will surely attrack more Chinese visitors to Thailand. 

Chiang Mai's Finest... always on the job.

In uniform and in civvies.

They should have been more discreet about this.

A high-profile bust of a Chinese in Chiang Mai for something petty like this will be big news among the travel agents back home.

If Thai gov't policy is to promote tourism from that quarter, they had better change tactics and enforce their laws with less ridiculous publicity.