Police arrested an alleged illegal tour operator after around 150 pilgrims were reportedly left stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport before a planned Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, with estimated losses exceeding 4 million baht.

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The case followed complaints from travellers who had booked a pilgrimage package with a company based in Narathiwat province. Each person reportedly paid 25,000 baht for an 11-day, 10-night Umrah trip scheduled to take place between 3 and 13 July 2026.

The operation was ordered by Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksiira Phueak-am and carried out by officers from the Tourist Police Investigation Division and Division 3. The investigation was led by Pol Col Man Rotthong, Pol Col Monporn Likhitmanon, Pol Lt Col Piyaphong Bukhunthot and Pol Lt Col Seksan Thiraruangrat, working alongside officials from the Department of Tourism.

According to police, 49-year-old Thai national, Mohammed Hasueran Mamu arranged the travel programme and instructed customers to meet at Gate 8 on the fourth floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 July 2026. When the group arrived, airline staff informed them that no flight bookings had been made. Realising they had allegedly been deceived, the travellers sought assistance from Tourist Police officers, who helped them file complaints at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station.

Investigators later found that Mohammed Hasueran had been operating a tour business without registering it. Police said the company advertised pilgrimage and tour packages at prices significantly below normal market rates, attracting customers before the planned trip failed to proceed.

During questioning, police said the suspect admitted the offence, explaining that financial difficulties had left him without sufficient funds to carry out the tour programme as promised.

He was charged with operating a tour business without a licence from the registrar, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 baht. He was handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Amarin reported that Tourist Police urged members of the public planning overseas travel to verify that tour companies are properly registered with the Department of Tourism before making payments. Anyone requiring assistance or wishing to check a company’s registration can contact the Tourist Police hotline 1155 or use the Thailand Tourist Police application, which operates 24 hours a day.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026

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The only thing departing on time was everyone’s 25,000 baht.

How does sharia law deal with such cases? Not many stories about Muslims scamming other Muslims come to light. It's a good thing he didn't pull this stunt during the Hajj.

There is something grossly wrong with the law if someone can leave 150 pilgrims abandoned at Suvarnabhumi (after collecting more than ฿4 million), and be charged with nothing more than operating a tour business without a licence from the registrar!

So, despite the financial loss and emotional impact on those who had planned to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, the maximum penalty this guy may face is two years’ imprisonment and a ฿500,000 fine.

It's difficult to see how this reflects the gravity of the conduct.