Phuket tour guide crackdown nets a dozen illegals

[webfact]

Tour guide crackdown nets a dozen illegals
Saran Mitrarat


Two guides report to Phuket Tourism and Sport Director Mr Santi Pawai.

PHUKET: -- Ten Thais and two foreigners have so far been arrested in the crackdown on illegal tour guides launched by local tourism authorities last month.

The 12 guides arrested were mostly working without guide identification cards or were providing services outside of those authorized, said Phuket Tourism and Sport Director, Mr Santi Pawai.

A total of 2,629 guides identified themselves at the Phuket Tourism and Sport Office between September 22 and October 6.

Last Monday was the last chance for registered guides to identify themselves, so they can be put into categories based on their specific skills such as diving, trekking and local culture, warned the director.

“We are providing registered guides with coloured identification cards depending on their speciality," said Mr Santi.

Silver card holders, for example, are authorized to service only foreign tourists while gold card holders can provide services only to Thai tourists,” Mr Santi explained.

“I would like to warn anyone thinking of working illegally as a guide – especially in high season – that they will be banned for life if they are caught,” said Mr Santi.

Meanwhile, on a positive note, the director said the tourism authority aims to recruit 200 volunteer guides to help out during the upcoming Asian Beach Games in November.

“The volunteers can be Thais or foreigners,” said Mr Santi.

“The volunteers will help give advice and information to tourists as well as co-operating with police,” he said.

“The volunteers won't be paid but they will receive shirts, food, caps and identification cards. We really need people who genuinely want to help tourists,” he said.

Guides interested in volunteering can apply at the Phuket Tourism and Sport Office located next to Surakul Stadium between now and October 15 on weekdays from 8am to 5pm.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/tour-guide-crackdown-nets-a-dozen-illegals-49060.php

-- Phuket News 2014-10-10

[Tatsujin]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

[rickirs]

"We really need people who genuinely want to help tourists,”

Except people on retirement visas. And yet they are better situated than many other foreigners to provide help to tourists.

[topt]

"We really need people who genuinely want to help tourists,”

Except people on retirement visas. And yet they are better situated than many other foreigners to provide help to tourists.

"Except people on retirement visas" - where does it say that?

[Ulic]

The Thais probably just fail to register. Does not sound like much of a crackdown with a dozen people caught

out of all the people working as guides.

[stevenl]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

[NamKangMan]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

"The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong." - "Ten Thais and two foreigners have so far been arrested in the crackdown on illegal tour guides."

That's five times more Thai's acting as illegal tour guides then foreigners.

What part of tatsujin's post was "made up?"

[Tatsujin]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

Have you not been reading the news? Yes, catching illegal "foreign" tour guides is what they stated repeatedly over the last few weeks/months. And they've caught 2 in this raid + 10 Thai's which makes a mockery of the fact that they continually state that it's "foreign" tour guides that are breaking the law.

[stevenl]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

"The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong." - "Ten Thais and two foreigners have so far been arrested in the crackdown on illegal tour guides."

That's five times more Thai's acting as illegal tour guides then foreigners.

What part of tatsujin's post was "made up?"

Please learn how to read in stead of trying to argue with every single one of my posts.

He said 'this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners', and he made up that part.

[stevenl]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

Have you not been reading the news? Yes, catching illegal "foreign" tour guides is what they stated repeatedly over the last few weeks/months. And they've caught 2 in this raid + 10 Thai's which makes a mockery of the fact that they continually state that it's "foreign" tour guides that are breaking the law.

See e.g. this article, http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/763285-phuket-crack-down-on-illegal-tour-guide-and-operators-in-phuket/.

Authorities talk about 'illegal guides' the 'illegal foreign guides' is an invention from the TV audience.

[FredNL]

“I would like to warn anyone thinking of working illegally as a guide – especially in high season – that they will be banned for life if they are caught,” said Mr Santi.

Banned for life (being an illegal guide)??? Yeah sure.... They can better jail them for life.

[12DrinkMore]

If they "really need people", then they should provide jobs with salary.

Phuket can afford it.

[Tatsujin]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

Have you not been reading the news? Yes, catching illegal "foreign" tour guides is what they stated repeatedly over the last few weeks/months. And they've caught 2 in this raid + 10 Thai's which makes a mockery of the fact that they continually state that it's "foreign" tour guides that are breaking the law.

See e.g. this article, http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/763285-phuket-crack-down-on-illegal-tour-guide-and-operators-in-phuket/.

Authorities talk about 'illegal guides' the 'illegal foreign guides' is an invention from the TV audience.

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

[stevenl]

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

Pattaya sources, Chiang Mai sources, quoting people who are not authorities.

And yes, of course they are complaining about foreign tour guides, simply because there are illegal foreign tourguides.

But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though.

[NamKangMan]

So this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners taking work away from the poor hard working Thai's . . . yet there's 10 x Thai's arrested and only 2 x foreigners . . . so "Thailand", who's breaking your own <deleted> laws most often???? You or us???

The crackdown was/is intended to catch illegal guides. The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong.

"The foreigner part you just made up, and judging by the OP you are wrong." - "Ten Thais and two foreigners have so far been arrested in the crackdown on illegal tour guides."

That's five times more Thai's acting as illegal tour guides then foreigners.

What part of tatsujin's post was "made up?"

Please learn how to read in stead of trying to argue with every single one of my posts.

He said 'this crackdown was intended to round up all those pesky foreigners', and he made up that part.

I do not argue with every single post of yours - you are being paranoid.

The Thai tour guides are always complaining about illegal foreign tour guides taking away their job/income.

They have a crackdown and 10 Thai Nationsals are arrested for working illegally as tour guides, and 2 Foreign nationals are arrested for working as illegal tour guides.

Can't you see the irony?

[Tatsujin]

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

Pattaya sources, Chiang Mai sources, quoting people who are not authorities.

And yes, of course they are complaining about foreign tour guides, simply because there are illegal foreign tourguides.

But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though.

What's it about then? And why are you arguing about this "not" being targeted against "foreigners" . . . ?

They've been targeting "foreigners" for months now . . . and have explicitly stated that is exactly what they are doing countless times also if you can be bothered to do some research if your memory is failing you . . .

[NamKangMan]

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

Pattaya sources, Chiang Mai sources, quoting people who are not authorities.

And yes, of course they are complaining about foreign tour guides, simply because there are illegal foreign tourguides.

But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though.

"But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though." - whilst this crackdown is getting rid of five times more dodgy Thai's, than dodgy foreigners - I hope it continues.

[stevenl]

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

Pattaya sources, Chiang Mai sources, quoting people who are not authorities.

And yes, of course they are complaining about foreign tour guides, simply because there are illegal foreign tourguides.

But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though.

What's it about then? And why are you arguing about this "not" being targeted against "foreigners" . . . ?

They've been targeting "foreigners" for months now . . . and have explicitly stated that is exactly what they are doing countless times also if you can be bothered to do some research if your memory is failing you . . .

Research you just did and showed it was not abut foreigners.

Again, just the TV audience is paranoid about the Thais being against foreigners.

[LivinginKata]

3 posts removed - petty bickering.

[harrry]

I can understand having a category of guides who can provide services to foreigners...they should have shown a knowledge language and needs of their potential foreign clients as well as the knowledge of the area they are showing. I cannot understand why these extra qualified guides can not service local tourists too.

[NamKangMan]

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

Pattaya sources, Chiang Mai sources, quoting people who are not authorities.

And yes, of course they are complaining about foreign tour guides, simply because there are illegal foreign tourguides.

But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though.

What's it about then? And why are you arguing about this "not" being targeted against "foreigners" . . . ?

They've been targeting "foreigners" for months now . . . and have explicitly stated that is exactly what they are doing countless times also if you can be bothered to do some research if your memory is failing you . . .

Research you just did and showed it was not abut foreigners.

Again, just the TV audience is paranoid about the Thais being against foreigners.

Really?

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Chinese-tour-guide-war-Phuket-turns-violent/23201#ad-image-0

This is just one article on the subject, in which it became violent.

Most of the time they are having meetings, complaining, petitioning and protesting.

It's the pressure they put on the authorities that cause the crackdown, and then when enforcement comes, it nets more Thai's than foreigners. (note the last paragraph in the article)

Very funny if you ask me.

With much luck, they will now start fighting amongst themselves, and leave the foreigners alone.

Edited October 10, 2014 by NamKangMan

[Tatsujin]

Authorities have been more than specific with regards to nationalities and "foreigners" when talking about "illegal tour guides", here's a few:

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/chinese-speaking-tour-guides-ask-authorities-to-control-illegal-tour-guides-41755

"Due to poor service and false information provided by illegal tour guides, Thailand has recently became unpopular among Chinese tourists, he said, adding that he was also afraid that transnational crime could occur in relation to illegal tour businesses.

Illegal tour guides also came from Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, he said. The association will file a similar complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports later."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Thai-tour-guides-accuse-Chinese-of-stealing-client-30241458.html

"The Chinese had stolen their customers, Manop said, adding that foreigners are prohibited from working as tour guides. Training is also required to get a license."

http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/118093/dsi-begin-crackdown-on-illegal-russian-tour-guides-in-pattaya/

"The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) Eastern Branch, have begun a crackdown on Thai Tour Companies who are accused of illegally employing Russian Tour Guides. It is also thought that many of the companies are allowed to operate in such a way without fear of prosecution by Police."

Plenty of other direct sources also from the Bangkok Post if you go take a look.

Pattaya sources, Chiang Mai sources, quoting people who are not authorities.

And yes, of course they are complaining about foreign tour guides, simply because there are illegal foreign tourguides.

But this Phuket crackdown we're talking about is not about that. I wish it were though.

What's it about then? And why are you arguing about this "not" being targeted against "foreigners" . . . ?

They've been targeting "foreigners" for months now . . . and have explicitly stated that is exactly what they are doing countless times also if you can be bothered to do some research if your memory is failing you . . .

Research you just did and showed it was not abut foreigners.

Again, just the TV audience is paranoid about the Thais being against foreigners.

You're either being obtuse or . . .

When countless previous reports/articles about illegal tour guides over the last few months have consistently mentioned specific nationalities, when those in "authority" have also mentioned those specific nationalities and when they have also specifically mentioned "illegal foreigners", how is this NOT about this being against foreigners?

This specific article might not have mentioned those things, but pretty much every other article previously HAS . . .

[stevenl]

You're either being obtuse or . . .

When countless previous reports/articles about illegal tour guides over the last few months have consistently mentioned specific nationalities, when those in "authority" have also mentioned those specific nationalities and when they have also specifically mentioned "illegal foreigners", how is this NOT about this being against foreigners?

This specific article might not have mentioned those things, but pretty much every other article previously HAS . . .

This is about a crackdown on illegal guides. But sorry, I'm not going to repeat myself again.

[MediaWatcher]

“The volunteers won't be paid but they will receive shirts, food, caps and identification cards. We really need people who genuinely want to help tourists,” he said. But no mention of a work permit, this means illegal volunteers (same as volunteer police) and the authorities are breaking Thai law. It seems when it suites them, it's OK the break the law. Before ANYONE says it's OK because it's a government body, it takes a Royal Decree for any work category to be waived from needing a work permit.

[bangon04]

I would like to warn anyone thinking of working illegally as a guide especially in high season that they will be banned for life if they are caught, said Mr Santi.

Banned for life (being an illegal guide)??? Yeah sure.... They can better jail them for life.

Serious punishment - they can be stripped of their gold or silver card that they never bothered to apply for in the first place.....

"Silver card holders, for example, are authorized to service only foreign tourists while gold card holders can provide services only to Thai tourists, Mr Santi explained."

Which is worth more? Silver or Gold?

[LivinginKata]

Post flaming a board member has been removed.

[starkey_rich]

I can understand having a category of guides who can provide services to foreigners...they should have shown a knowledge language and needs of their potential foreign clients as well as the knowledge of the area they are showing. I cannot understand why these extra qualified guides can not service local tourists too.

Because you have just entered the world of Narnia where there is no logic or sense to anything that happens.