Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

The suspect was identified as Mr. Lapa, a 33-year-old Russian citizen, who was taken into custody by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Marine Police Division and Phuket Immigration. He was charged with working without a valid work permit and unlawfully engaging in the profession of tour guiding. Under Thai law, tour guiding is a protected occupation exclusively reserved for Thai citizens.

The operation was conducted under the Central Investigation Bureau’s policy to suppress illegal foreign workers, directed by Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Cheawnasil, Commissioner of the CIB. The enforcement action was overseen by Pol Maj Gen Sethasiri Nippapaya, Commander of the Marine Police Division, along with other senior officers. Authorities instructed marine police units to intensify inspections in key tourist areas across Phuket.

According to investigators, intelligence received in December 2025 indicated that a foreign national was acting in a tour guide capacity at several piers in Phuket. The individual was reportedly greeting tourists arriving by van, explaining tour programmes, checking attendance lists, distributing wristbands and escorting tourists onto boats. These activities are legally restricted to licensed Thai tour guides.

On the day of the arrest, officers observed Mr. Lapa performing these duties and approached him to verify his documents. He was unable to produce a passport or a work permit, presenting only a photograph of his passport stored on his mobile phone. Immigration checks confirmed he was staying in Thailand under a status that did not permit employment.

During preliminary questioning, Mr. Lapa admitted to assisting and translating for Russian tourists about twice a week. He also acknowledged that he sometimes joined the tours at sea and had been doing so intermittently during peak tourist seasons for several years. Police said this admission supported the charges brought against him.

Thaitabloid reported that Mr. Lapa was transferred to investigators at Phuket City Police Station for formal legal proceedings. Authorities reiterated their commitment to strict law enforcement to maintain order in tourist areas and safeguard jobs legally reserved for Thai citizens. Further inspections are expected to continue across popular destinations.

Key Takeaways

• A 33-year-old Russian man was arrested in Phuket for illegally working as a tour guide without a permit.

• Police acted on intelligence received in December, as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign labour.

• The suspect has been handed over to Phuket City Police Station for prosecution under Thai law.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-08

 

 

Well, good. But did it really need such high powered cops to arrest an obvious criminal?

Surely a Sargent and a couple of constables could have carried out an easy arrest.

I guess a golden photo op is the answer to why so many top cops were involved.

Ship his a** out and off to the front lines for you my friend!! 🤣🤣🤣

He was charged with working without a valid work permit and unlawfully engaging in the profession of tour guiding. Under Thai law, tour guiding is a protected occupation exclusively reserved for Thai citizens.

A risky thing to with Thai tour guides ready to grass you up in a nano second.

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

He was charged with working without a valid work permit and unlawfully engaging in the profession of tour guiding. Under Thai law, tour guiding is a protected occupation exclusively reserved for Thai citizens.

A risky thing to with Thai tour guides ready to grass you up in a nano second.

A years long second apparently.

"that he sometimes joined the tours at sea and had been doing so intermittently during peak tourist seasons for several years"