DSI meets with tour operators to discuss Russian guide complaints

PATTAYA:--The Department of Special Investigations brought together government officials and tour operators to address a December complaint that illegal Russian tour guides were stealing Thai jobs.

DSI eastern region Director Pravit Chaibuadaeng met with Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Director Auttaphol Wannakij, city hall officials, tourist police, the Burapha Tour Guides Club and 50 tour operators Jan. 29.

The meeting is the latest DSI action following the Dec. 23 complaint by the Pattaya Tour Guide Club which claimed foreigners were stealing their jobs and ruining Thailand and its international reputation.

The club said members have not only lost jobs to foreigners who speak the same language as the foreign tourists, but that foreigners are misrepresenting Thai history, culture and traditions. They also complained that members who actually do have jobs are being paid below the legal minimum wage by many tour operators.
- See more at: http://www.pattayamail.com/localnews/dsi-meets-with-tour-operators-to-discuss-russian-guide-complaints-34690#sthash.8Tqbu5Vd.dpuf

-- Pattaya Mail 2014-02-07

May be they are paid as a recompense as to their ability speak the language fluently. ie customer can understand 50% of the words they get 50% of the standard rate.

But let's be practical? The Russian visitors need to understand what's going on and if they can't speak a lot of English, (which seems to be the case with many instances) and if the Thai’s can't speak Russian then maybe you wouldn't get so many Russian tourists coming here in the first place? Then other businesses lose out?

Edited February 7, 201412 yr by Asiantravel