Chiang Mai: Unlicensed guide held at Doi Suthep

Tourism police have arrested a 42-year-old woman at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai for allegedly working as an unlicensed tour guide while accompanying three Chinese tourists.

The woman, identified only as Pinmanee, a Thai national, was detained on 5 August after officers found her buying tickets for a lift and explaining information about the tourist site to the visitors. She could not produce a tour-guide licence when asked, police said.

The operation followed orders from Tourism Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksiira Phueak-am and deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Pongsayam Meekhanthong. Officers from the bureau's investigation division worked with Department of Tourism officials in the crackdown on illegal guides at the temple in Mueang Chiang Mai district.

Tours advertised on Chinese social media

During initial questioning, Pinmanee allegedly admitted advertising and accepting work for two-day Chiang Mai-Lamphun tours through Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social-media application.

She charged 4,300 baht for the itinerary and said she had been working as an unauthorised guide in this way for about five months, according to police.

She has been charged with acting as a tour guide without a licence and was handed to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Three Chinese tourists were with the woman when she was detained. Police have not alleged wrongdoing by the tourists.

Thai authorities regularly target unlicensed guiding, which is regulated under the country's tourism laws. The enforcement action at Doi Suthep focused on guides operating without the required professional licence, rather than on tourists who had booked their services.

Doi Suthep remains a major Chiang Mai draw

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is among Chiang Mai's best-known attractions and is frequently included on half-day and full-day tours. The temple is in Mueang Chiang Mai district, with many visitors travelling there as part of broader itineraries that can also include Lamphun.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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7 August 2026

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