Tourist Police and the Department of Tourism have arrested a Thai tour organiser accused of running unlicensed trips for elderly travellers to Pattaya and Koh Larn, officials said on 30 March 2026. The suspect was detained at Laem Bali Hai Pier after authorities gathered evidence of illegal tour operations. The arrest highlights ongoing enforcement against unlicensed tourism businesses during the peak travel season.

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The operation was led by the Tourist Police Bureau under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Saksi ra Phueak-am, in coordination with Department of Tourism Director-General Jaturon Pakdeewanich and Pol Col Man Rotthong. Investigators worked with tourism business registrars in the eastern region to track a suspected group operating under the name “Little Tour”. The investigation followed a tip-off that the company had been organising trips for large groups of elderly tourists without proper licensing.

Authorities found that between 28 and 30 March 2026, the group travelled to Pattaya, where they stayed in a hotel before taking a passenger boat to Koh Larn for sightseeing activities and an overnight stay. Officers closely monitored the group throughout the trip. On 30 March, the group returned to shore at Laem Bali Hai Pier, where officials moved in after confirming sufficient evidence.

The suspect, identified as Ms Sinee, was found to have organised all aspects of the trip, including accommodation, transport, boat services and tour programmes. However, she was unable to produce a valid tour operator licence when questioned. A search uncovered key evidence, including travel itineraries, tourist lists, payment records and accommodation booking documents.

Picture courtesy of เช็กข่าวพัทยา

She was charged with operating a tour business without a licence under the Tourism Business and Guide Act BE 2551 (2008) and its amendments. The suspect, along with the seized evidence, was handed over to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings.

Authorities have warned the public, particularly during school holidays and the tourism high season, to verify the licences of tour companies before purchasing travel packages. Officials advised that checks can be made via the Department of Tourism website or by reporting suspicious activity to the Tourist Police hotline 1155, available 24 hours a day.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now เช็กข่าวพัทยา 31 Mar 2026

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Same for hotels. Is it not the duty of the Chamber of Commerce to built a good system and the Revenue Department can be of help to to find illegal businesses. But most of the time in Thailand everybody can do as he/she wants unless maybe there are complaints or there a occasional check. Database should be up to date all the time